BLM Extends Nomination Period for Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is extending the period for accepting nominations for the 2005 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards. These awards recognize solid mineral (non-coal) development operations that embody the principles of sustainable development or represent outstanding examples of reclamation or environmental stewardship.

The BLM will now be accepting nominations for qualified mining operations until May 27, 2005. These four non-monetary awards highlight some of the finest examples of responsible mineral resource development. The awards illustrate the principles of sustainable development and help to promote successful ideas and practices that may be implemented at various locations throughout the nation.

The four awards are as follows:

• The Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship. This category recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.
• The Hardrock Mineral Award for Community Outreach and Economic Security recognizes projects that show concern for community responsibilities and the economic benefits of mineral development. This award recognizes successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders. Projects that contribute to quality of life or show concern for a community’s long-term health are also eligible.
• The Small Operator Award recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship of operators with fewer than 15 employees. Similar to the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, this newly designed award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.
• The Director’s Award is for outstanding achievement in a particular area of sustainable development. This award — another new addition — recognizes an operator whose dedication and commitment to excellence has resulted in the use of a new or innovative design that allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging conditions or in critical environmental settings.

Mining companies, regulatory authorities, geologists, and members of the general public may submit nominations for the awards. Nominations must be received by May 27, 2005, in the BLM State Office (Attention: Solid Minerals) that has jurisdiction for the public lands in the State where the operation is located. Presentation of awards is scheduled for September 20, 2005, in Washington, D.C.

The BLM manages more land — 261 million surface acres — than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1.8 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.

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