The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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Last updated: 09/28/04
| Department of the Interior For Release: Monday, September 27, 2004 |
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BLM Announces Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards WinnersBureau of Land Management Director Kathleen Clarke today announced the winners of the 2004 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards. The awards recognize the efforts that have been made in implementing the principles of sustainable development, a concept adopted by the United States and 192 other countries, to balance environmental, economic, and social considerations in planning for mining operations. The Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award winners are Round Mountain Gold Corporation’s Manhattan Mine in Nye County, Nevada, and Ken and David Jeter, who operate the Connor Creek Mine in Baker County, Oregon. The Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award winner is Golden Sunlight Mines, Inc., in Whitehall, Montana. “These awards honor companies and individuals who have distinguished themselves both as leaders in the industry and as partnerships in the stewardship of the public lands and resources,” BLM Director Kathleen Clarke said. “This year’s winners have demonstrated that they’re willing to go beyond what is required by law to maintain healthy wildlife populations, protect water quality, and be good neighbors in their communities,” she added. Director Clarke presented the awards to the winners this afternoon in Las Vegas at a joint BLM and Office of Surface Mining awards luncheon held in conjunction with MINExpo International 2004, the world’s largest mining exposition. First offered in 2003, the BLM awards are similar to existing Department of Interior awards for excellence in coal mining reclamation. The hardrock mining awards enable the Department of Interior to recognize the industrial and metallic minerals industry as well as sand and gravel operators. Nominations for the hardrock mining awards were first screened by BLM State Office officials, who forwarded the applications to BLM Headquarters for final judging. A panel of judges that included people from outside the BLM completed the judging. Complete information on the winners is attached. The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more land—261 million surface acres—than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1.9 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands. Background Information on Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Award WinnersThe Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award recognizes effective environmental stewardship. The recipients have a demonstrated track record of successfully meeting or exceeding federal, state or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight. The Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award recognizes the economic benefits of mineral development, with an emphasis on successful coordination with local and regional stakeholders. Projects that enhance the quality of life or demonstrate a concern for the long-term health of the local community will be recognized in this category. This category also recognizes operators who use new or innovative techniques so they can operate effectively in technically challenging conditions or in critical environmental settings. Winners of the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award are: Round Mountain Gold Corporation’s Manhattan Mine, located in Nye County, Nevada. The Manhattan Mine receives this award for outstanding environmental stewardship for its innovative reclamation designs. The mine’s reclamation plan stabilized or removed historic mine features, eliminated public hazards, and shaped piles of waste rock into landforms that blended with the surroundings. Round Mountain Gold Corporation also developed a new and effective technique for treating water used in the mining process. The gravity-driven system permanently contains solutions in a lined facility, protecting groundwater better than conventional closure methods, with virtually no long-term maintenance. David and Ken Jeter, operators of the Connor Creek Mine in Baker County, Oregon. These brothers are being recognized for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership by adopting a proactive approach to their mining operation. The Jeters re-graded a two-acre mined area on a steep slope and then planted native grasses by hand. The brothers also showed concern for the safety of recreational users, installing protective gratings across entrances to mines, repairing roads, and maintaining access on both public and private lands. Overall, the Jeters’ work has improved the area by reducing runoff into Connor Creek, re-establishing native vegetation, and improving visitor safety. The winner of the Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award is: Golden Sunlight Mines, Inc., in Whitehall, Montana. A gold mine subsidiary of Placer Dome, Inc., Golden Sunlight Mines, Inc., receives this award for outstanding achievement in sustainable planning and corporate citizenship. Concerned about the economic future of Whitehall, the mine’s location in southwestern Montana, mine operators helped to create the Whitehall Transition Advisory Committee. The Committee’s vision is to leave behind a healthy environment and a positive economic and social future when the mine eventually closes. Golden Sunlight operators have donated generously to the community, helping to expand Whitehall’s library, renovating local fairgrounds, and providing thousands of dollars each year in scholarships for graduating high-school seniors in the area.
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