BLM approves Lisbon Valley Copper Mine expansion in Utah

MOAB, Utah -- The Bureau of Land Management approved the expanded copper mining operations at the Lisbon Valley Copper Mine in San Juan County. Copper is a versatile mineral used in a variety of applications, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and construction materials.  

“With this decision, the BLM has completed an efficient permitting process for the expansion of the Lisbon Valley Copper Mine,” said Nicollee Gaddis-Wyatt, BLM Canyon Country District Manager. “Access to domestic critical minerals, like copper, through this mine expansion is a key part of the Administration’s effort to unleash America’s affordable and reliable natural resources.” 

Lisbon Valley Mining Company, LLC, currently mines copper ore from an open pit mine within a roughly 4,500-acre mining area. The BLM’s decision paves the way for the Lisbon Valley Mining Company to expand into an adjoining area, pending independent authorizations from the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Utah. 

The approved plan includes new open pit mining operations and will add in-situ recovery using a combination of injection, production, and monitoring wells. New authorized mining would result in the recovery of more than half a billion pounds of copper. 

The Lisbon Valley Copper Mine expansion is a FAST-41 transparency project. Inclusion on the FAST-41 dashboard streamlines the permitting process by enhancing coordination among federal agencies through increased transparency. 

Please visit the BLM National NEPA Register for information on the project and to access the final environmental impact statement.