BLM approves gold mine project near Wickenburg
PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management approved a gold mine project across about 330 public acres in the Rogers Wash area near Wickenburg in Maricopa County. In addition to gold, other minerals could include precious and base metals, strategic minerals, and rare-earth elements.
With this approval, Rattler Resources, LLC, may surface mine gold-bearing gravels from placer deposits on a total of about 95 dispersed public acres within the project area and process the ore on site. Active mining disturbance is expected to occur in two phases with active disturbance of no more than 50 acres at a time. The project is expected to last for 7-10 years, although economic factors and discovery of additional ore could extend mining operations.
Additional information, including the final environmental assessment and decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
The BLM administers 17.5 million subsurface acres of mineral estate in Arizona. There are more than 55,000 mining claims recorded on Arizona’s public lands, where exploration and development of these vital assets provides materials found in a broad range of products. Public lands also generate saleable materials like sand, gravel, stone, and clay that support the construction, landscaping, and road building industries.
For additional information, contact the Hassayampa Field Office at 602-867-5400 or [email protected].
The BLM manages about 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.