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  • Pages
  • Editions
01 Cover
02 Welcome Letter / Sections
03 Article & Interview Directory
04 Section 1: Introduction
05 Introduction to Nevada Mining
06 Nevada Mining Assocation Interview
07 National Mining Assocation Interview
08 Environmental Protection
09 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Interview
10 Nevada Division of Minerals Interview
11 Educating the Public is Key to Preserving Nevada’s Mining sector
12 Cyanco Interview
13 Solenis Interview
14 Industry Views: Amidst an Industry-wide Labor Shortage, How Can Companies Attract and Retain Talent?
15 Section 2: Production
16 Map of Main Producers
17 Precious Metals Production
18 Nevada Gold Mines Interview
19 Barrick Gold Interview
20 Newmont Interview
21 Fortitude Gold Interview
22 Kinross Interview
23 i-80 Gold Corp Interview
24 Coeur Mining Interview
25 Green Metals: Lithium and Copper Production
26 Robinson Nevada Mining Company (KGHM) Interview
27 Albemarle Interview
28 Section 3: Exploration and Development
29 A Vibrant Exploration Industry
30 Nevada Mineral Exploration Coalition Interview
31 AEMA Interview
32 Precious Metals Exploration
33 NV Gold Corporation Interview
34 Newrange Gold Corp Interview
35 Getchell Gold Interview
36 Nevada Silver Corporation Interview
37 Millennial Precious Metals Interview
38 Nevada Exploration Interview
39 Insights from the Explorers
40 Lithium Exploration and Development
41 Lithium Americas Interview
42 Ioneer Interview
43 Section 4: Engineering and Mining Contractors
44 A Hub for Mining Engineers
45 Kappes, Cassiday and Associates Interview
46 SNC-Lavalin Interview
47 Practical Mining
48 Forsgren Associates Interview
49 Underground Contractors
50 Small Mine Development Interview
51 Section 5: Equipment,Technology & Services
52 Equipment and Technology
53 Epiroc Interview
54 Cashman Equipment Interview
55 Komatsu Interview
56 Hexagon Interview
57 3D-P Interview
58 Industry Views: OEMs Have Their Say on Innovation
59 Drilling
60 Boart Longyear Interview
61 Layne Interview
62 American Mining Services Interview
63 Concluding Remarks
64 Section 6: Company Profiles
65 Cyanco Company Profile
66 Epiroc Company Profile
67 Kappes, Cassiday & Associates Company Profile
68 NV Gold Company Profile
69 SRK Consulting Company Profile
70 Credits

Justin Abernathy, Deputy State Director for Energy and Minerals,

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM)

"In Nevada, the BLM is responsible for managing approximately 48 million acres of public lands."

Can you provide a brief overview of the BLM’s role in the Nevada mining industry?

In Nevada, the BLM is responsible for managing approximately 48 million acres of public lands, as well as several hundred thousand acres of “split estate” lands (non-Federal surface estate and Federal sub-surface mineral estate), which constitutes over two-thirds of the land in the state. These lands are managed for a variety of uses, including the production of solid mineral resources. Consequently, a majority of mining and other solid mineral projects permitted in the state involve BLM-managed lands and minerals.

The BLM Nevada’s solid minerals program is the largest in the Bureau and can be divided into three general categories – locatable minerals, saleable minerals (also called mineral materials), and non-energy solid leasable minerals. We approve plans of operations for the exploration and mining of locatable minerals; sales contracts and free use permits for the disposal of mineral materials; and prospecting permits and leases for non-energy solid leasable minerals that involve Federal lands and minerals. Our solid minerals program also has responsibilities and adjudicative duties associated with the location and maintenance of mining claims, mineral surveys and patents, mineral validity reports, and the use and occupancy of the surface of public lands pursuant to Federal mining and surface use laws.

How has the number of mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada evolved in recent years?

In recent years, we have seen a significant upswing in the number of mining claims attributable to increases in mineral commodity prices, along with a growing recognition of the importance of domestic sources of critical minerals, such as lithium and vanadium. As of December 1, 2021, there were approximately 235,000 active mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada. This is a 30% increase over the number of active mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada only four years ago.

What makes Nevada’s reclamation process so effective and what role does the BLM play in it?

Nevada has been a pioneer and model that other jurisdictions seek to replicate in terms of its environmental protection and reclamation standards for mining operations. Two key factors are Nevada’s “smart from the start” approach to permitting and reclamation of mining operations, and close and effective coordination between the BLM and State of Nevada agencies, such as the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). The BLM and NDEP have a memorandum of understanding concerning reclamation, bonding, and ensuring that Federal and state regulations and oversight are consistent and coordinated. Both NDEP and the BLM jointly review and agree on the reclamation bonding requirements before issuing a decision. We also have procedures for conducting regular and as needed inspections of existing mining operations to ensure consistency with approved operations and standards and to identify and address any instances of non-compliance at any early stage.

How has the permitting process for exploration projects or mines evolved in recent years?

In recent years, BLM and members of the mining industry have placed greater emphasis on front-loading the various baseline studies and other information collection aspects associated with the environmental review and permitting processes for mining projects. This approach has been effective in producing project proposals that are more effectively planned and timelier and more predictable in their permitting processes.

What do you think makes Nevada an attractive exploration and mining jurisdiction? Are there any challenges that should be addressed?

Nevada is the US’ most mountainous state with a very active geology, which has created a favorable environment for several different types of mineral deposits. It is also a leading source for critical minerals. Nevada is the 7th largest state and 33rd most populous. This, combined with desirable geology, allows mining to occur well outside areas of urban interface, which helps reduce potential conflicts. Nevada also has well-defined regulatory frameworks and effective coordination between Federal, State and local regulatory bodies with respect to mining operations.

Land and water are finite resources and multiple users are competing for them. Balancing the use of public lands and environments for mining along with other potential uses and resources on the land and doing so while ensuring appropriate protections for natural, cultural and historic values is inherently complex and challenging.

Next:

Interview: Nevada Division of Minerals