Release Number: BMFO 2005-16
For Release: March 9, 2005

BLM HOSTING PUBLIC MEETINGS ON PROPOSED RUBY HILL MINE EXPANSION-EAST ARCHIMEDES PROJECT

Homestake Mining Company is proposing an expansion of its Ruby Hill Gold Mine operations located approximately 7 miles northwest of Eureka, NV. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Battle Mountain Field Office, is preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to analyze the potential environmental effects of the Ruby Hill Mine Expansion – East Archimedes Project.

This effort would include an expansion of the following:

· the existing pit below the groundwater table;

· the existing west and east waste rock disposal areas;

· the existing heap leach pad; and

· construction of dewatering facilities.

The proposed project would additionally disturb approximately 181 acres of BLM-administered public land and approximately 484 acres of private land.

A 45-day public comment period will extend from March 11 through April 25, 2005. Written comments can be submitted to the following address: BLM Battle Mountain Field Office, Attn: Caleb Hiner, 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, NV 89820.

Opportunities for public comment will also be offered during the following meeting schedule:

April 20, 2005 Battle Mountain Field Office 6-8:00 P.M.

April 21, 2005 Eureka, NV, Opera House 6-8:00 P.M.

(Downstairs meeting room)

For further information please contact Caleb Hiner at (775) 635-4000.

- BLM -