WARF mine reports selenium-treatment commissioning, reclamation goals and production figures

A representative presenting WARF's annual update told the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners that the mine’s new selenium treatment plant at False Bottom is in commissioning and the company anticipates compliance by October.

The presenter (speaker 15) summarized 2024 statistics: 47 acres newly affected (bringing the facility total to 1,339 acres), about 59.7 acres of final reclamation completed last year, and a target of roughly 75 acres planned for reclamation in the current year. Production figures given in the presentation included more than 5,000,000 tons mined and roughly 13,000,000 tons of overburden (waste), and the presenter reported about 98,000 ounces of gold and 232,000 ounces of silver produced as part of the reported totals.

The company said it had pumped and treated tens of millions of gallons of groundwater and surface water (figures as presented), that drone spraying for weed control would continue and that community contributions included roughly $220,000 in donations and $28,000 in scholarships.

Why it matters: The commissioning of the selenium treatment plant and ongoing reclamation work are relevant to county oversight of environmental compliance, surface‑water management and land reclamation associated with mining operations.

Next steps: The company will proceed with wet commissioning, continue reclamation targets for 2025 and prepare for compliance milestones related to the treatment plant (presenter said compliance anticipated by October). The commission asked for additional data on cumulative reclaimed acres and will follow up as needed.