BLM Cody Releases Analysis of Bentonite Mining Expansion
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CODY, Wyo. – The BLM Cody Field Office requests input on the analysis of a proposed bentonite mining project located near Lovell, Wyoming, in Big Horn County.
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC, plans to expand its current mining operations by 434.59 acres. Of this, up to 123.46 acres is BLM-managed federal land located 12-16 miles southeast of Lovell. The remaining acreage is located on State of Wyoming and private land approximately 13 miles northwest of Lovell.
The proposed expansion would provide an estimated 450,000 tons of bentonite from public lands over the life of the project and would continue to employ approximately 10 mine employees, 67 mill employees and additional subcontractors.
An environmental assessment has been prepared to analyze the impacts of the proposed project. It is available for public review and comment online at http://bit.ly/2BPM_A-7. The plan of operations submitted by Bentonite Performance Minerals is available for review at the Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street in Cody.
The comment period runs from May 18 through June 16, 2017. Comments may be emailed to blm_wy_cody_wymail@blm.gov; please include "BPM Amendment 7” in the subject line. Comments may also be mailed to AFM Minerals and Lands, BLM-Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY, 82414.
For more information, please contact BLM Geologist Gretchen Hurley at 307-578-5900.
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.