BLM invites public input on a mine project near Salome
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LAKE HAVASU, Ariz. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) and is seeking public input on a proposed mine plan from the Bonanza Mining Company for the Harquahala Mine Project. This project would allow for the removal, transport, and recovery of old tailings, leach pad material, and other metal bearing materials from approximately 55 acres of public lands eight miles south of Salome. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days, from Aug. 14 through Sept. 12.
Bonanza Mining Company plans to recover minerals from the tailings under their patented mining claim. The EA evaluates the potential impacts from the removal of scattered tailings and other metal bearing materials located on public lands managed by the BLM. Mineral recovery stimulates economic growth by providing the raw minerals needed in production of items we use every day.
“The Harquahala Mine project, with the incorporated environmental protection measures, demonstrates BLM’s commitment to facilitating responsible mineral development in Arizona,” said BLM Lake Havasu Field Manager Jason West. “We also expect that this project will help sustain jobs at the mine and support local economy.”
This EA analyzes potential environmental impacts of Bonanza’s proposed mine plan. Copies of the draft EA will be available for public review and commenting through BLM’s ePlanning website. Comments may also be mailed to the Lake Havasu Field Office, 1785 Kiowa Ave., Lake Havasu, AZ 86403. All comments must be received online or postmarked by Sept. 12, 2020 to be considered in the final decision.
If you would like to receive a hard copy of the EA, contact the BLM’s Lake Havasu Field Office at 928-505-1200. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address or other personal information, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal information, may be publicly available at any time. While you may ask us to withhold personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. After the public review period has ended, comments will be analyzed and considered in the decision-making process.
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.