BLM gives mine project go-ahead for open pit

The Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca District, Humboldt River Field Office (HRFO) has issued a Decision Record (DR) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on the analysis provided in the Western Lithium Corporation (WLC), Kings Valley Clay Mine project, Environmental Assessment (EA).

The DR selects the Proposed Action, subject to all recommended mitigation. Upon approval of the Plan of Operations, WLC will be able to develop an open-pit hectorite clay mine that will result in approximately 110 acres of total disturbance.

Clay ore will be selectively mined from two open-pits and stockpiled on-site in a designated ore-grade stockpile area. The ore-grade clay will be sold to an end-user or hauled to an off-site facility for further processing. The operation will employ approximately 14 people and have a lifespan of approximately 23 years, including the land being returned to the pre-mining uses. The project is located approximately 21 miles west-northwest of Orovada in Humboldt County, Nevada.

Victor W. Lozano, field manager for the Humboldt River Field Office, states, "It has been about 20 years since we have had a hectorite clay operation within the Winnemucca District. Knowing that that there other cultural and natural resources in the area, I am pleased with the balanced approached of having a small hard rock mining site that coexists with the other resources."

The EA, DR and FONSI are on the NEPA Register through BLM's ePlanning website.

If you have any questions, please contact Victor Lozano at (775) 623-1516, or at the above address.[[In-content Ad]]