BLM Approves Plan for Critical Mineral Mine in Nevada
Project expected to supply 60% of U.S. demand for Vanadium
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today approval of the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project outside Eureka, Nevada, green-lighting a proposal to develop critical minerals on BLM-managed public lands. Vanadium is a U.S. Geological Survey-designated critical mineral used in steel manufacturing, aerospace applications, and battery technology.
“Responsible development of critical minerals is central to the clean energy transition,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, BLM Director. “BLM is leading the way with efficient and collaborative permitting processes as we build a sustainable supply chain to power our clean energy future.”
The mine is expected to operate for approximately seven years and will employ about 120 people. The project is expected to produce nearly 10 million pounds of vanadium annually, which represents roughly 60% of U.S. demand.
Additionally, the mine itself will rely on clean energy to power its operations. The BLM-approved Plan of Operations includes the construction of a solar photovoltaic array and battery storage system that will power the mine entirely with clean energy. Haul trucks and other mine equipment will also be powered by electricity and will rely on clean energy generated by the solar array.
The BLM worked closely with other Federal agencies, State of Nevada regulatory agencies, locally-elected leaders, and Tribal Nations to identify and resolve issues throughout the permitting process. A Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project was published in July 2020, with the draft EIS published in July 2022, followed by a 45-day comment period. After reviewing and responding to the comments received, the final EIS was published in September 2023.
The Record of Decision and Plan of Operations approval is available for review at the project’s website on the BLM’s National NEPA Register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2000633/510.
For those who do not have internet access, for more information, please contact the Battle Mountain District Office at (775) 635-4000 or at 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, NV 89820. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services.
The BLM manages more than 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.