Final Environmental Impact Statement available for Greater Phoenix proposed expansion, Lander County, Nevada
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Battle Mountain – The Bureau of Land Management, Mount Lewis Field Office, has published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register for the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with the proposed expansion of the existing Phoenix Mine, located roughly 12 miles south west of Battle Mountain, Nevada. The EIS analyzes the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with Newmont USA Limited’s proposal to expand its existing operations in the Phoenix Mine area.
The proposed Project would extend mine life from 2040 to 2063, and increase surface disturbance by 3,497 acres (from 8,374 to 11,871 acres) located on both BLM-administered lands (2,575 acres) and private land (922 acres). Proposed activities would consist of expansion through consolidation of existing pits as well as the expansion of the following: existing waste rock facility, tailings storage facility, heap leach facility, and clay soil borrow area. Activities would occur on both existing disturbance and new disturbance.
In addition to the proposed Project, three alternatives are analyzed including: the Enhanced/Mechanical Evaporation Cell Alternative, the Treat Water for Agricultural Cropping on Private Land Alternative, and the No Action Alternative. The publication of this Notice starts a 30-day review process during which the BLM will be conducting a final review of proposed Project and alternatives.
After the 30-day review process the Mount Lewis Field Office will make a determination to either approve the project or select the No Action alternative.
The EIS and other relevant documents have been made available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/59989/510. For any questions or concerns regarding the EIS, please contact Christine Gabriel, BLM Project Manager, at (775) 635-4000.
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.