Hardrock Lease Application Environmental Assessment
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon State Office announced the release of an Environmental Assessment pertaining to the application for a hardrock minerals lease filed in March 2005 by Idaho General Mines, Inc. (IGMI). The hardrock minerals lease does not afford IGMI the opportunity to conduct any exploration, or mining activities, just the right to apply to conduct these activities. Issuance of the proposed fractional interest lease with a contingent rights stipulation prohibits surface-disturbing activities, and is fully discretionary to the Federal Government.“The BLM is committed to ensuring that all laws and procedures regulating mining on public lands are followed, guaranteeing both prospective miners and the public a fair and open process. Input from the public is critical to this process, and all comments received will be reviewed and considered by the BLM," said Ed Shepard, Oregon and Washington BLM State Director.IGMI, a Spokane, Washington based firm, applied for a hardrock mining lease in the vicinity of Goat Mountain and the Green River, approximately 12 miles northeast of the Mount St. Helens volcanic crater. The lease application area is outside the National Volcanic Monument boundaries. The final Environmental Assessment and Decision Record are projected to be released late spring of this year. It is important to note that the lease, if issued, would not afford IGMI the opportunity to mine or conduct any exploratory activities. The BLM has authority to issue a hardrock mining lease only with written concurrence of the U.S. Forest Service. Contingent on IGMI's submission of proposed exploration proposals, and subsequent mining plan of operations and related National Environmental Policy Act review, the U.S. Forest Service determined that the issuance of this proposed contingent rights lease could be compatible with the purposes for which the lands were acquired and the 1990 Gifford Pinchot Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.The Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days beginning March 14, 2007. It can be accessed via the web at: blm.gov/or/index.php. It can also be accessed at the BLM Oregon State Office Public Desk, 333 S.W. 1st Avenue, Portland, OR 97204. Written comments postmarked within the 30 day comment period will be accepted by mail at U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Office, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, OR 97208.
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.