The Biden-Harris administration is taking steps to protect Nevada’s Ruby Mountains in response to requests from Tribes, conservationists and the local community.
The administration made the announcement on Friday that the Department of the Interior will be considering making oil and gas and geothermal development off limits to developers for the next two decades.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service submitted a withdrawal petition and application to interior secretary Deb Haaland. A two-year segregation will begin upon approval in the Federal Register. This will block future oil and gas and geothermal development across 264,000 acres in the Ruby Mountains area.
The Federal Register notice opens a 90-day public comment period on the proposed withdrawal. The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service will conduct an environmental analysis to determine whether to withdraw the lands for up to 20 years.
This process involves Tribal consultation and engagement with the public, environmental groups, industry, state and local governments, and other stakeholders. By law, the Secretary of the Interior can withdraw these lands for up to 20 years. However, only Congress can enact a permanent withdrawal.
“The Ruby Mountains are cherished by local communities for their scenic value, cultural heritage, numerous wildlife and benefit to the local economy through a thriving outdoor recreation industry,” said Haaland.
“Today, we are taking an important and sensible step to pause new oil and gas leasing to ensure that we have the science and public input necessary to inform proposed protections of the Ruby Mountains area for future generations.”
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Nevada produces 80% of all US gold
The lands will remain open for location and entry under U.S. mining laws and for mineral material disposal. The withdrawal will not affect other permitted uses of the landscape, such as hiking, hunting, off-highway vehicle recreation, and camping.
The study and two-year segregation from issuing new mineral leases will allow the Interior and Agriculture Departments to base decisions on science in the Ruby Mountains area.
Nevada is a global leader in gold mining, producing approximately 80 per cent of all U.S. gold. It also ranks among the top gold-producing regions worldwide. The state’s mining industry thrives due to its favourable geology, which includes prolific gold belts such as the Carlin Trend and Walker Lane Trend.
These areas host significant deposits that have attracted major mining companies and a growing number of exploration firms.
Nevada’s business-friendly regulatory environment and well-established infrastructure further support the industry’s robust growth.
Northern Nevada is the heart of the state’s gold mining activity. Companies like Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp (TSE: ABX) (NYSE: GOLD) and Newmont Corporation (TSE: NGT) (NYSE: NEM), dominate operations here. Their extensive properties along the Carlin Trend and the Cortez District highlight the region’s significance. In central Nevada, projects such as i-80 Gold Corp’s (NYSE American: IAUX) (TSE: IAU) Ruby Hill and Lone Tree operations are contributing to new discoveries and production increases, showcasing the area’s potential.
Calibre Mining Corp’s (TSE: CXB) (OTCMKTS: CXBMF) Pan Mine exemplifies the state’s smaller-scale operations that emphasize sustainable practices. Calibre’s efforts focus on efficient production and exploration within the Walker Lane Trend, a region with growing interest from mid-tier producers and junior companies.
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joseph@mugglehead.com
