Mineral Classification and Mine Permitting
Confidential Client Mineral Classification and Mine Permitting
BIO-WEST is assisting a confidential client proposing a 10-acre industrial mineral-mining operation in central Utah with (1) preparing a locatable mineral report to address claim validity and issues related to uncommon variety minerals, (2) applying for permits relevant to mining activities, and (3) planning for and implementing pre- and postmining reclamation efforts.
To validate client claims and show that the deposit in the proposed mining area is a locatable mineral (i.e., it has a distinct and special value and can be mined and sold for a profit), BIO-WEST used precedence established in McClarty v. Secretary of the Interior, 408 F.2d 907 (9th Cir. 1969), and 43 CFR ยง 3830.12(b). The McClarty Criteria require: (1) comparing the mineral deposit in question with other deposits of such minerals generally (2) determining whether the mineral deposit has a unique physical property; (3) determining whether the unique property gives the deposit a distinct and special value (4) determining whether (if the special value is for uses to which ordinary mineral varieties are used) the deposit has some distinct and special value for such use and (5) determining whether the distinct and special value is reflected by the higher price that the material commands in the market place. BIO-WEST completed a locatable mineral report that showed compliance with the McClarty Criteria, prudent man test, and requirements for discovery of a valuable mineral deposit.
BIO-WEST is providing the US Forest Service and Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining with a Plan of Operations for Mining Activities and other environmental impact and site mitigation documents. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Reclamation Plan will address all disturbances in the proposed mining area by including short- and long-term storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and revegetation best management practices. BIO-WEST is assisting the client with obtaining necessary project permits including an Air Quality Discharge Permit; County Special Use Permit; Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining Notice of Intent/Permit and Reclamation Bond; and Utah Department of Transportation Special Use Permit. Reclamation efforts will consist of removing vegetation and topsoil from the proposed mining area prior to mining operations and stockpiling it offsite for later reincorporation. After mining operations have ceased, impacted areas will be reseeded with a US Forest Service-approved seed mix.
The BIO-WEST team is also responsible for completing land surveying, ore volume calculations, the pit design, and road designs.
