BLM seeks nominations for 2026 Mineral Development Awards
WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing efforts to foster responsible mineral resource development, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Mineral Development Awards. These awards recognize solid mineral operators who have made exemplary contributions to solid minerals (non-coal) development. The 2026 awards will mark the 18th year for the program.
“The BLM appreciates solid minerals operators who lead the way in the stewardship of our public lands,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “We look forward to recognizing those operators who demonstrate an understanding how sustainable development is built on good resource management, community impact, and economic security.”
Awards are designated in the following five categories:
The Hardrock Mineral Leadership Award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.
The Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award recognizes the successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders, including those projects that contribute to quality of life or demonstrate concern for the long-term health of the local community.
The Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award recognizes operators or organizations with fewer than 15 employees who have demonstrated continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight.
The Hardrock Mineral Director’s Award is presented to a single operator whose dedication and commitment to excellence have resulted in the use of a new or innovative design or technique that allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging conditions or in critical land resource settings.
The Mine Legacy Steward Award recognizes partnership activities that assist in addressing hardrock abandoned mine land features across the American West.
More details are available in the Call for Nominations brochure. Nominations must be mailed to the BLM State Office (Attention: Solid Minerals) with jurisdiction of public lands in the state where the operation is located. Coal operators are not eligible for recognition through this program and are encouraged to participate in the reclamation awards program managed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
For additional information on the BLM’s solid minerals program, visit the BLM website at https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/mining-and-minerals.
Nomination submissions must be received by the appropriate BLM State Office by April 30, 2026. Awards will be presented in the fall of 2026.
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.