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BLM briefs commission on mining activity: lithium work plans, Coyote Mine expansion, South Railroad EIS scoping
Summary
BLM reported progress on multiple mineral projects: approval of work plans for the Northern Nevada lithium project, an expansion at the small Coyote barite mine (about 65 acres) expected to extend operations 7–10 years, and scoping for the South Railroad mine plan with comments being compiled for an EIS.
Elizabeth Fuentes told commissioners BLM has been processing multiple mining-related actions across the district. For the Northern Nevada lithium project she said an environmental assessment was drafted and approved earlier this year and two work plans outlining wells have been submitted; BLM is in the process of approving the second work plan covering roads, pad sites and wells.
On the Coyote Mine, Fuentes described it as a small barite operation east of Carlin-Trend activity that plans to expand to mine about 65 acres of claims and "prolong the life of the mine by 7 to 10 years." She said access and workforce levels will not change and no dewatering is associated with the proposal; emergency permitting paperwork is under review.
Fuentes also explained the South Railroad mine plan: a notice of intent was posted to the Federal Register on Aug. 13, scoping closed Sept. 18, and NexSys is compiling comments to inform BLM's EIS drafting. Commissioners asked whether Fourmile was part of the same effort; Fuentes clarified Fourmile is a separate project permitted by a different district.
