The Bureau of Land Management has approved the Goldrush Mine project, part of the Nevada Gold Mines Cortez Complex, anticipating a 24-year operation employing around 570 people. This decision reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to a collaborative permitting process involving various stakeholders, governments, and tribal entities.
Key Highlights:
- Collaborative Approval Process: The BLM collaborated closely with the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, tribal entities, and various state departments during the review process, showcasing a collaborative approach to resource development and environmental protection.
- Economic Impact: The Goldrush Mine project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, with projected direct and indirect labor income, taxes, and business revenue totaling $108 million, $43 million, $288 million, and $48 million respectively over the mine’s operational lifespan.
- Community Concerns in Contrast: In a separate scenario, Rise Gold faced opposition in its attempt to resume gold mining operations in Grass Valley. Local concerns, ranging from environmental hazards to noise pollution, highlight the ongoing challenges and conflicts associated with resource development projects.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted approval for the Goldrush Mine project, a component of the Nevada Gold Mines Cortez Complex situated in Lander and Eureka counties. The underground gold mine is projected to operate for a span of 24 years and is anticipated to provide employment for approximately 570 individuals. Douglas Furtado, the BLM’s Battle Mountain District Manager, expressed satisfaction with the approval and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Nevada Gold Mines, state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as stakeholders involved in the project.
During the review process, the BLM closely collaborated with various entities, including the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Eureka County, and several Shoshone tribes. This collaborative approach exemplifies the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to refining the permitting process, aiming to safeguard communities and the environment while ensuring the development of essential mineral resources.
In a separate context, Rise Gold submitted an application to recommence Nevada gold mining operations at the Idaho Maryland Mine in Grass Valley in 2019, after its closure in the 1950s. However, the proposal faced substantial opposition from the local community, with concerns ranging from environmental hazards to noise pollution. Grass Valley resident and project opponent, Christy Hubbard, emphasized worries about potential groundwater contamination and reduction of water flows due to mining operations.
The approval for the Goldrush Mine was granted through a Record of Decision and an approved Plan of Operations, permitting Nevada Gold Mines LLC to establish, operate, close, and eventually reclaim the underground gold mine. The economic impact of the project is estimated to include $108 million in direct labor income, $43 million in indirect and induced labor income, net proceeds taxes of $288 million to the State of Nevada, and direct business taxes of $48 million throughout the mine’s operational lifespan.