BLM Seeks Public Input on Proposed Greater Phoenix Mine Project
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BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – Today the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for a proposed expansion of the Phoenix Mine. The gold and copper mine currently employs about 500 people and is located approximately 12 miles southwest of the town of Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada.
With this notice the BLM is announcing the beginning of the public comment period on the Draft EIS. The public is invited to submit comments during the 45-day public comment period that will end October 16, 2017.
The public will also have a chance to comment during a public meeting in Battle Mountain, Nevada, to be held September 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the BLM Battle Mountain District Office, 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada.
The Draft EIS analyzes environmental impacts associated with Newmont USA Limited’s proposal to expand the existing Phoenix Mine. The expansion would be located on BLM-managed public land and would extend mining from 2040 to 2063, expand mining operations and facilities, and consolidate the existing pit areas into the expanded Phoenix Pit. Current gold and copper mining and beneficiation operations would continue in accordance with existing authorizations.
The proposed project’s total mine-related surface disturbance would increase by 3,497 acres, from approximately 8,374 acres to 11,871 acres. The Draft EIS analyzes impacts to the following resources: water resources (including surface water, groundwater, and geochemistry); air quality; vegetation resources (including noxious weed species and special status species); wildlife (including migratory birds and special status species); grazing management; land use and access; aesthetics (visual resources); cultural resources; Native American cultural concerns; geological resources (including minerals and soils); paleontological resources; recreation; social and economic values; hazardous materials; wetlands and riparian zones.
Interested individuals should address all written comments to Christine Gabriel, Greater Phoenix Project Manager, using any of the following:
- Website: goo.gl/JwgwXA
- Email: blm_nv_bmdo_GreaterPhoenixProject@blm.gov
- Fax: (775) 635-4034
- Mail: Bureau of Land Management
Mount Lewis Field Office
50 Bastian Road
Battle Mountain, NV 89820
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the BLM in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Additional information is available on the project website located at goo.gl/JwgwXA or by contacting Christine Gabriel, BLM Project Manager, at (775) 635-4000 or blm_nv_bmdo_GreaterPhoenixProject@blm.gov.
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.