WINNEMUCCA — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca District, Humboldt River Field Office has completed a preliminary environmental assessment (EA) for the Newmont Mining Company (Newmont) plan to expand the existing Vista Pit at Twin Creeks Mine. The BLM would appreciate receiving substantive comments on the EA by September 6, 2011.

The plan expansion consists of:
· Expanding the Vista Pit.
· Continued expansion of a waste rock and a heap leach facility.
· A proposed change in the heap leach pad closure from rinsing to use of an evapo-transpiration cover.

The total surface disturbance for this expansion would be up to 580 acres of combined public (223 acres) and private (357 acres). The surface disturbance is within the existing plan boundary and on ground already disturbed with a haul road, portion of a heap leach and other ancillary features. The Twin Creeks Mine is approximately thirty-five miles northeast of Winnemucca in Humboldt County, Nevada.

The document may be reviewed online at www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_information/nepa0.html. Printed copies are available upon request from the Winnemucca District Office. Comments may be submitted to Fred Holzel, project lead, Attn: Vista Pit Expansion, BLM Winnemucca District Office, 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemuca NV 89445-2921. Comments may also be submitted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Email messages should reference “Vista Pit Expansion Project (Holzel)” in the subject line.

Public comments submitted for this project, including names and addresses of commentors will be available for public review at the Winnemucca District Office during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

For further information please contact Fred Holzel at 775-623-1500