WINNEMUCCA — The BLM hosted a public meeting here and in Lovelock last week  to answer questions and receive comments from the public on the Coeur Rochester project.  Mine representatives have submitted an amendment to their plan of operations, which would allow them to restart mining operations.  The comment period closes Dec. 11.

Coeur Rochester is located 20 miles northeast of Lovelock in Pershing County.  The reopening of the mine, and the potential for the creation of 200 jobs, has drawn public attention from community leaders and elected officials from the state and federal level.  Coeur Rochester’s workforce has traditionally been from Pershing and Humboldt Counties. 

An agreement was  recently reached between BLM and mine representatives that will allow for an EA (Environmental Assessment)  to be completed for the restart. The BLM would have preferred an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), but that’s a much lengthier process.   Mine representatives explained the shorter EA will allow them to restart operations while the price of minerals makes it profitable.  The EA is specific to the impact on the environment from the restart of mining and leaching operations.

(shown) Coeur Rochester's GM Cindy Jones

The EA is being prepared by third-party private contractor, Tetra Tech, of Golden, Colorado, under the direction of the BLM.  Tetra Tech representatives were present at the meetings to answer questions.

Federal regulations do not require the BLM to host public meetings as part of the EA process.  In fact, they’re only required to involve the public in whatever way is appropriate.  The public meeting was considered most appropriate in this case.

Bob Edwards is the BLM Project Manager for this project  Edwards said once the comments are received they’ll be reviewed along with any comments from the federal, state, local government and other interested parties.  After the comments are analyzed staff will determine if any additional actions need to be taken as a result.  The comments received thus far were not disclosed.

Once the comments are gathered and reviewed, Tetra Tech will begin writing the EA, under the direction of the BLM.  The EA is not expected to be complete before March. 

Ultimately, BLM staff will present several options to mine representatives. These options may include:  1) no action, which would prevent the mine from opening, 2) allow the organization to mine as proposed, or 3) mine, but not as proposed – meaning the organization will have to do something different to protect the environment.