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BLM Seeks Public Comment on Emigrant Amendment

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Elko District Office

Media Contact:

ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management, Tuscarora Field Office is seeking public review and comment until January 20, 2019 on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Newmont Mining Corporation’s (Newmont) Emigrant Mine Plan of Operations. The Emigrant Mine is located 20 miles southwest of Elko Nevada and work is projected to begin work in 2019.

The proposed amendment to the existing Mine Plan of Operations will involve the construction of an acid rock generation solution pipeline and a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to treat acid rock drainage from the Rain Mine Waste Rock Disposal Facility. The pipeline would cross portions of public and private land and would be constructed entirely on pre-disturbed ground. The current plan of operations plan is approved for 1,672 acres of disturbance.  The plan amendment would increase the total authorized disturbance to 1,793 acres including 121 acres of private land for the WTP construction.

In addition to the proposed amendment, Newmont has requested the plan boundary be amended and increased from 3,883 acres to 4,203 acres to construct the WTP and associated facilities. Construction of the pipeline and WTP would begin after obtaining permits or authorizations from all regulatory agencies.

The EA, Maps and additional information can be found on the BLM website: https://go.usa.gov/xECrk

Written comments should be submitted by close of business on January 20, 2019 and should be sent to: Emigrant Project Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management, 3900 Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801-4611 or send via email to tschmidt@blm.gov.  Questions concerning this project should be addressed to Tom Schmidt at the above address or by phone at (775) 753-0343 or by email at tschmidt@blm.gov.  

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.