4 minute read - Published 10:00 AM EST, Monday June 10, 2024
This article was authored by witan nook. for Paramount Gold Nevada
In the heart of eastern Oregon, a state known for its rigorous environmental standards, Paramount Gold Nevada’s Grassy Mountain project has entered the final phase of its permitting process. Paramount's President & COO, Glen van Treek, announced the significant advancement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) filing its Notice of Intent (NOI) for the high-grade gold and silver project into the federal registry. As a result, preparation for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is now underway. This substantial milestone sets a clear course for the construction and operation of the mine which will bring vital job opportunities and economic prosperity to Malheur County with Van Treek emphasizing the project's potential to stimulate employment and foster growth in the region.
Location map of the high-grade Grassy Mountain gold and silver project | Paramount Gold Nevada
The filing of the NOI follows the BLM’s determination of completeness for the Plan of Operation (PoO) for Grassy Mountain, aligning with the Environmental Impact Statement’s requirements. At the time of the filing announcement, a 30-day public comment period commenced which included two public meetings in Vale and Jordan Valley, Oregon, where the proposed action and EIS scope were explained. The EIS, prepared by the BLM, will consider the effects of the mine’s construction, operation, land reclamation, and final closure plans of the underground mining and precious metal milling operations.
Aerial view of the high-grade Grassy Mountain gold and silver project | Paramount Gold Nevada
During Paramount Gold’s permitting process, it was recently announced that their Grassy Mountain Gold project would have the benefit of a joint reclamation bond between the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the BLM who have executed a Memorandum of Understanding. This will ensure that Paramount Gold will not be required to post two reclamation bonds thereby reducing capital requirements and lessening the administrative burden. As part of the announcement, Van Treek speaking on behalf of Paramount Gold said “We are extremely pleased by the cooperation shown by the DOGAMI and the BLM in their MoU. This decision will be very beneficial to the development, construction and operation of our Grassy Mountain Gold and Silver mine.”
It was reported that the MoU establishes joint responsibilities to develop and maintain common guidance, protection, and monitoring of disturbances for the land hosting the Grass Mountain project due to mining operations on both federal and private lands. This demonstrates that State and Federal agencies are working together in a coordinated effort, which will help to prevent undue delays that may have otherwise occurred with duplication of administration and enforcement of reclamation obligations.
Looking forward to the next stages of the permitting process, the draft EIS is slated for public review in February of 2025, which will be followed by a subsequent 45-day public comment period, followed by the release of the final EIS in August of 2025 and the Record of Decision in November 2025, which will mark the conclusion of the NEPA process.
A road leading to the high-grade Grassy Mountain gold and silver project | Paramount Gold Nevada
In anticipation of final permitting approvals for the Grassy Mountain high-grade gold and silver project, and building on President and COO Glen Van Treek’s comments of increased employment and regional growth, Paramount’s 2022 S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Feasibility Study showed that Grassy Mountain can have a mine-life of 8 years, producing 362,000 ounces of gold and 425,000 ounces of silver with an annual production of 47,000 ounces of gold and 55,000 ounces of silver. With plans for Grassy Mountain to be Oregon's first modern-day gold mine, an important precedent is being set for the region and for new mines that will have to operate with sustainably conscious mining principles.
This article was authored by witan nook. and paid for by Paramount Gold Nevada in American dollars
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