Could you please give us a brief overview of the role that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays in the mining industry in Nevada?

Sure. In Nevada, the BLM is responsible for managing around 48 million acres of public lands, including several hundred thousand acres of “split estate” lands, which are non-Federal surface estate and Federal sub-surface mineral estate. This constitutes over two-thirds of the land in the state, and these lands are managed for various uses, including the production of solid mineral resources. As a result, a majority of mining and other solid mineral projects permitted in the state involve BLM-managed lands and minerals. The BLM Nevada’s solid minerals program is the largest in the Bureau and can be divided into three general categories: locatable minerals, saleable minerals (also called mineral materials), and non-energy solid leasable minerals. We approve plans of operations for the exploration and mining of locatable minerals; sales contracts and free use permits for the disposal of mineral materials; and prospecting permits and leases for non-energy solid leasable minerals that involve Federal lands and minerals. Our solid minerals program also has responsibilities and adjudicative duties associated with the location and maintenance of mining claims, mineral surveys and patents, mineral validity reports, and the use and occupancy of the surface of public lands pursuant to Federal mining and surface use laws.

Can you tell us how the number of mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada has evolved in recent years?

In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of mining claims due to rising mineral commodity prices and a growing recognition of the importance of domestic sources of critical minerals, such as lithium and vanadium. As of December 1, 2021, there were approximately 235,000 active mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada. This represents a 30% increase over the number of active mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada only four years ago.

What makes Nevada’s reclamation process so effective, and what role does the BLM play in it?

Nevada has been a pioneer and model that other jurisdictions seek to replicate in terms of its environmental protection and reclamation standards for mining operations. Two key factors that contribute to this success are Nevada’s “smart from the start” approach to permitting and reclamation of mining operations and close and effective coordination between the BLM and State of Nevada agencies, such as the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). The BLM and NDEP have a memorandum of understanding concerning reclamation, bonding, and ensuring that Federal and state regulations and oversight are consistent and coordinated. Both NDEP and the BLM jointly review and agree on the reclamation bonding requirements before issuing a decision. We also have procedures for conducting regular and as needed inspections of existing mining operations to ensure consistency with approved operations and standards and to identify and address any instances of noncompliance at any early stage.

Could you describe how the permitting process for exploration projects or mines has changed over the years?

In recent years, there has been a concerted effort by both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and members of the mining industry to place greater emphasis on front-loading the various baseline studies and information collection aspects associated with the environmental review and permitting processes for mining projects. This approach has been effective in producing project proposals that are better planned, timely, and more predictable in their permitting processes. The BLM has also been working to streamline its processes and procedures to reduce the time required for review and approval of permits while still ensuring that all environmental and other regulatory requirements are met.

What factors make Nevada an attractive jurisdiction for exploration and mining, and are there any challenges that need to be addressed?

Nevada is one of the most geologically active states in the US, which has created a favorable environment for several different types of mineral deposits. In fact, Nevada is a leading source for critical minerals, including lithium and vanadium. Additionally, the state’s well-defined regulatory frameworks and effective coordination between Federal, State and local regulatory bodies with respect to mining operations make it an attractive jurisdiction for mining companies. Furthermore, mining can occur well outside areas of urban interface due to the state’s mountainous terrain and low population density, which helps reduce potential conflicts. However, there are also challenges associated with mining in Nevada. Balancing the use of public lands and environments for mining, along with other potential uses and resources on the land, is inherently complex and challenging. The use of land and water are finite resources, and multiple users are competing for them. Therefore, it is essential to ensure appropriate protections for natural, cultural, and historic values while also allowing for responsible mining operations.

How has the number of mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada changed in recent years?

In recent years, the number of mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada has increased significantly due to increases in mineral commodity prices and growing recognition of the importance of domestic sources of critical minerals, such as lithium and vanadium. As of December 1, 2021, there were approximately 235,000 active mining claims on BLM-managed lands in Nevada, representing a 30% increase over the number of active mining claims only four years ago.

What makes Nevada’s reclamation process so effective, and what role does the BLM play in it?

Nevada has been a pioneer and a model that other jurisdictions seek to replicate in terms of its environmental protection and reclamation standards for mining operations. Two key factors contribute to Nevada’s successful reclamation process. Firstly, the state’s “smart from the start” approach to permitting and reclamation of mining operations has been effective in producing more environmentally responsible and sustainable projects. Secondly, there is close and effective coordination between the BLM and state agencies, such as the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), concerning reclamation, bonding, and ensuring that Federal and state regulations and oversight are consistent and coordinated. Both NDEP and the BLM jointly review and agree on the reclamation bonding requirements before issuing a decision. Regular and as-needed inspections of existing mining operations are also conducted to ensure consistency with approved operations and standards and to identify and address any instances of non-compliance at an early stage.