EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 2013 Newsletter
Volume 291
EASTERN OREGON MINING ASSOCIATION MEETING
The meetings are held on the first Friday of the month. The next meeting is Friday, DECEMBER 6TH at the Baker City Hall. The building is located at 1st and Auburn Streets in Baker City. The Board meeting starts at 6:00PM, and the general meeting starts at 6:30PM.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR MINING ORGANIZATION BY SENDING IN YOUR DUES FOR EOMA MEMBERSHIP BY JANUARY 1ST
The information you need is on the last page of this newsletter.
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT –Ken Alexander
While it appears that about every mineralized stream and river in Oregon is subject to the new anti-mining law (SB838), there appears to be confusion about how it applies to off-channel mining in 2014. The only additional restriction imposed by SB838 that applies to mining within 300 feet of the waterways is that you will be restricted to operating between the hours of 9AM to 5PM (this applies even where there are no anadromous fish, bull trout or houses). We are going to be working during the upcoming, short 2014 legislative session to modify this restriction and other language of the law that was overlooked in the rush to pass SB 838. We will also be working to come up with a plan to head off the more drastic restrictions that will take effect in 2016. This will require a lot of time and effort by everyone who is interested in making sure the ability to extract our legally owned mineral resources is not eliminated.
Best Wishes for you to have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!
EOMA ELECTIONS NOMINATING COMMITTEE
At the December meeting, a nominating committee will be chosen. These miners will nominate members for President, Vice-President, Directors, Treasurer, and other positions.
KORNZE NAMED BLM CHIEF
The White House has nominated Neil Kornze as its selection for the next Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Kornze is a former aide to Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is BLMs principal deputy director. If confirmed, Kornze would lead an agency that oversees mining, energy development, grazing, logging, recreation and conservation on roughly 250 million acres, including an additional 700 million acres of federal mineral estate.
NO NFBR POOS HAVE BEEN APPROVED-Jan Alexander
It is hard to believe, but after all this time no North Fork Burnt River Plans of Operation have been approved. We, for instance, have posted our bond and signed the set of stipulations, but no approval has come. The Forest Service appears to be quite dysfunctional.
Because no miners have had their new plans approved, the requirements of the NFBR EIS are not binding. If you are seeding this fall, use the seed mix in your old plan, 4# Kentucky bluegrass, 4# sheep fescue and 2# sweet clover per acre. Miners have been using this mix for over 20 years, and it will actually grow, while the expensive native mix you will have to use in the future, is not likely to grow.
HOPE FOR THE SMALL SCALE MINING INDUSTRY?
There may be hope for the small-scale mining community in 2014. Former U.S. Vice-president Dick Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, just called for massive across-the-board cuts and an end to the \absolute abuse\ that’s going on inside expansive federal agencies such as the EPA and BLM. She made the statement on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace. She mentioned the EPA and BLM by name and also supported coal miners! Cheney is running for a U.S. Senate seat in the hopes of representing Wyoming in Washington, D.C.
PROOF OF LABOR MUST BE RECEIVED BY BLM BY DECEMBER 30, 2013
If you have not sent in your proof of labor to BLM, take a moment and do it now. The cost is $10/claim. If you do not submit your proof of labor by December 30, 2013, your claims will be lost.
BLM FEES FOR NEW CLAIMS HAVE GONE UP AGAIN
The fee for locating new mining claims has increased from $189 to $194. This includes the new $20 processing fee, up from $15, the usual $34 location fee and the usual $140 maintenance fee for every 20 acres, or portion thereof, in addition to the processing fee and location fee.
IF YOU WANT TO DREDGE, APPLY TO DSL RIGHT AFTER JANUARY 1, 2014
(1) Applications will be received between January 1-February 28 of each year (only 850 issued).
(2) Priority will be given to those who have held DSL or DEQ permits or authorizations for motorized mining below the ordinary high water mark, for the longest period of time since 2008, before January 1, 2014.
(3) The number of years the person has held a federal mining claim or patent since 2006.
(4) If there are more applications with the same number of points for the items listed above, than there are authorizations to distribute, the Department will use a random selection process.
(5) If less than 850 eligible applications are received between January 1 and February 28, applications received after February 28 will be awarded permits on a first come first served basis.
LAST U.S. LEAD SMELTER TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER-NRA Institute for Leg. Action
In December, the final primary lead smelter in the United States will close. The lead smelter, located in Herculaneum, Missouri, and owned and operated by the Doe Run Company, has existed in the same location since 1892. The Herculaneum smelter is currently the only smelter in the United States which can produce lead bullion from raw lead ore that is mined nearby in Missouris extensive lead deposits, giving the smelter its \primary\ designation. The lead bullion produced in Herculaneum is then sold to lead product producers, including ammunition manufactures for use in conventional ammunition components such as projectiles, projectile cores, and primers. Several \secondary\ smelters, where lead is recycled from products such as lead acid batteries or spent ammunition components, still operate in the United States.
Doe Run made significant efforts to reduce lead emissions from the smelter, but in 2008 the federal Environmental Protection Agency issued new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead that were 10 times tighter than the previous standard. Given the new lead air quality standard, Doe Run made the decision to close the Herculaneum smelter.
Increasingly restrictive regulation of lead is likely to affect the production and cost of traditional ammunition. Just this month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that will ban lead ammunition for all hunting in California. Environmentalists would like to see the EPA regulate conventional ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act. It is very clear,
that after the Herculaneum smelter closes its doors in December, entirely domestic manufacture of conventional ammunition, from raw ore to finished cartridge, will be impossible.
NORTHWEST MINING ASSOCIATION CONVENTION 2013-Jan Alexander
Matt Ellsworth, Government Affairs Manager for NWMA, and Laura Skaer, Executive Director for NWMA, will be meeting with EOMA Directors Chuck Chase, Bobbie Danser, Jan and Ken Alexander and Waldo Mining President Tom Kitchar at the NWMA convention. The discussion will center around Oregons new anti-mining law (SB838) and what the February legislative session holds in store for Oregons miners. We will be home in time for the next EOMA meeting on December 6, 2013, and will give those present at the meeting a full report.
MSHA TRAINING GRANTS ARE A THING OF THE PAST-Jan Alexander
MSHA has decided not to use grant monies to fund MSHA training, but instead, to use these funds for more enforcement. EOMA has written our congressmen that these grant monies need to be reinstated for training.
EOMA miners have attended new miner training and annual refresher classes in Baker City every year, at a very low cost. This training is required for all miners working at a mine on the MSHA rolls. It has also been an excellent education for those of us who are still in small scale exploration. Many of the operators who attend these classes annually, are small businessmen and women, who do not have the financial and personnel resources to provide the mandated training on their own. Our instructor, Ed Sinner, has provided all program services at low or no cost, so that all miners can be reached, as was the intent of Congress when they created the State Grants Program. Ed has worked with EOMA members doing pre-MSHA inspections on the ground, helped miners develop MSHA Mine Training Plans, Accident Prevention Programs, and is always available to help miners with MSDS materials and to answer questions. Even the larger scale mines in this area count on Ed for training, as most do not have an “MSHA-approved instructor” on staff. MSHA needs to reinstitute low cost training opportunities, or they need to exempt all small-scale operators from the need for training.
EOMA LOOKING INTO A NEW BONDING MOU-Jan Alexander
As you know, the Forest Service cancelled the bonding MOU that was in place for over 20 years. EOMA currently has a \reclamation bond\ savings account and two CDs at Banner Bank in Baker City, with the monies collected over the years from miners bonding under the old MOU. The proposal is to make these monies available for bonds on both Forest Service and BLM. Miners would sign an agreement with EOMA where they agree, that if necessary, EOMA would have permission to come onto their claims and perform the necessary reclamation. The bond money that each miner borrows from EOMA would be set up by Banner Bank in an assignment of deposit or Time Certificate of Deposit. When the reclamation is completed, the Forest Service or BLM would notify Banner Bank, and the money would go back into the bond fund for another miner to use.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR SALLY JEWELL PUSHES FOR LAND GRAB-American Land Rights, Chuck Cushman
In a major speech at the National Press Club October 31, 2013, Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell told Congress to pass a package of wild lands bills or watch President Obama designate national monuments unilaterally. “Congress needs to get moving to pass the dozens of locally-supported bills – introduced by both Republicans and Democrats – that protect the places that Americans care about most,” said Jewell, who became secretary in early April. She called on Congress to move a “comprehensive” bill, i.e. an omnibus bill. Then she dropped the hammer. “As he has already demonstrated, President Obama is ready and willing to step up where Congress falls short,. . .” she said. “In the coming weeks and months, I will be meeting with communities and evaluating opportunities where action can ensure that our nation’s stories and landscapes are honored, celebrated and preserved for the generations to come.”
NEED A STOCKING STUFFER? –ORDER ONE NOW!
EOMA medallions are beautiful proof grade one ounce silver medallions with the addition of real gold “nuggets” in the pan. We still have a limited supply of 2012 medallions, and enough 2013 medallions for all your Christmas present needs! These medallions are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $5.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change). You can order a 2013 medallion from the EOMA website, and pay by pay-pal. Or, you can send $50 plus $5.00 shipping and handling to EOMA, Medallions, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814, or call Bobbie at 541-523-3285. Be sure to specify whether you want a 2012 or 2013 medallion. The 2014 medallions are ordered and should be here by January 2014.
WIN 1/2 POUND OF GOLD- IMPORTANT UPDATE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE ! ! !
The Eastern Oregon Mining Association, along with the Waldo Mining District, is selling tickets for the drawing on a ½ pound of gold. The big Final Drawing with a Grand Prize of 1/2 Pound of Gold will be held at the Miners Jubilee in Baker City, July 20, 2014. Additional prizes will be awarded at the final Drawing. The cost is $5.00 per Entry, or Six Entries for $25.00. You do not need to be present to win! So, fill out the tickets in the back of the newsletter and send them in to Drawing, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814. Your money goes to help miners continue litigation on miner’s rights. Thank you for all your support..... Chuck Chase
ODFW SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSAL TO WAIVE FISH PASSAGE AT TWO EASTERN OREGON DAMS-Columbia Basin Bulletin
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on two fish passage waiver requests at the Warmsprings and Mason dams in eastern Oregon. In both cases, proposed hydroelectric projects have triggered Oregon’s fish passage laws. In lieu of providing fish passage at Warmsprings Dam, the proposal is to provide fish passage improvements at the Dryer Diversion, located on the Malheur River 39 miles upstream of Warmsrpings Dam. In lieu of providing fish passage at Mason Dam, Baker County proposes to replace a culvert on Silver Creek and improve fish passage conditions at a culvert on McCully Fork, both located upstream of Phillips Reservoir.
ODFW has made an initial determination that the mitigation proposed by WID would provide a net benefit to migratory fish, compared to providing passage at Warmsprings Dam. ODFW has made an initial determination that the mitigation proposed by Baker County would provide a net benefit to native migratory fish, compared to providing passage at Mason Dam for bull trout, redband trout, northern pikeminnow, and largescale, mountain and bridgelip suckers.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission can waive the fish passage requirements if proposed mitigation would provide a net benefit to migratory fish. The Commission will be asked to approve waivers for these projects at its Jan. 10, 2014 meeting in Salem. In the meantime, members of the public will have until Dec. 9, 2013 to submit written comments on the proposed plans. Elizabeth Moats, ODFW Hydropower Coordinator, 107 20th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850, or e-mail Elizabeth.A.OsierMoats@state.or.us, or by calling (541)-962-1832.
EXEMPT USES OF WATER FOR MINING-Jan Alexander
Oregon Water Resources Department regulates the use of surface and ground water in Oregon. Water rights are based on a priority system. Just because a stream runs through your claim, does not mean you have the legal right to use that water in your mining operation. The State has published the \State Water Related Permits User Guide\ to clarify what permits are needed in this state. In addition, there is a data base to check to see if your property has water rights.
Some uses of water are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit. These are called \exempt uses.\
Exempt uses of surface water include:
• Natural springs: use of a spring, which, under natural conditions, does not form a natural channel and flow off the property where it originates at any time of the year.
Groundwater exempt uses include:
• Stock watering.
• Lawn or noncommercial garden: watering of not more than one-half acre in area.
• Single or group domestic purposes: for no more than 15,000 gallons per day.
• Single industrial or commercial purposes: not exceeding 5,000 gallons per day.
Miners who work downstream of Unity Dam along the Burnt River should contact the Burnt River Irrigation District to determine whether or not there is storage water available for purchase.
LIST UNLIMITED ITEMS ON THE MINERS XCHANGE W/PHOTOS AND MORE FOR A $35/YEAR EOMA MEMBERSHIP
The Miners Xchange is a completely free service for EOMA members. It is a clearinghouse where EOMA members can sell everything from gold and silver, to mining equipment and properties. Like an \\eBay for miners\\, the Miners Xchange will let you list as many items as you like -- along with full descriptions, prices, shipping costs, and upload up to four photos for each. There are no posting fees, renewal fees, or transaction fees.
For details, go to the EOMA website at http://www.h2oaccess.com. You need your login ID in order to post items. If you have forgotten your login ID, contact EOMA through the contact button on the website and it will be sent to you.
If you have sold the item you have listed on the exchange, be sure to remove it. If you forgot how to remove it, or if you find items that are no longer for sale listed on the site, use the contact e-mail on the website to bring it to our attention.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
The advertising listings are only $1 per month to get your ad listed below. Send your ad to: EOMA, Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814 along with your remittance for each month you want us to run your ad. The number next to your ad is how many months your ad will run.
THE GOLD SPINNER SYSTEM
Save that ultrafine gold with this high gravity separator. It runs on 12volt, only weighs 45 pounds, is easy to set up and run, and can run all day long without a clean up. This is a must see, and sells for only $1304. E-mail Ted at tedcraghead@gmail.com. See Video on UTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAP5CMdIjFs
Or come on down and take a look at 10415 HWY 95, Payette, ID 83661.
EOMA MEDALLION COLLECTION (4)
A set of EOMA one-ounce silver medallions dated 1988 through 2011, plus one “In Gold We Trust 75th Anniversary 1907 – 1982” one ounce silver medallion and one proof coin of the same. The 25-coin set is contained in a hand made solid wood folding display box with spaces for an additional 17 coins. Price, $1,000. Call 541-524-9386 or 541-403-0043.
HAND-FED RECOVERY SYSTEM
The Goldfield Prospector is a portable, heavy duty wash plant designed for the recovery of placer gold to be used for sampling, small-scale production, or clean-up of larger processing plants. The Prospector lists new for $8,500 (www.goldfieldint.com/prospector.aspx). This particular machine has been rebuilt/modified. Price, $1,500 or OBO. Call 541-524-9386 or 541-403-0043.
PLACER GOLD BUYER (8)
I am always looking for new sources of quality gold nuggets and specimens. I market to collectors and can generally pay more than refiners for nice nuggets. Contact Matt at (208) 867-2594 or e-mail: goldrush@goldrushnuggets.com I travel through Baker City frequently.
NEW BOOK ON LOCATING CLAIMS-AVAILABLE FROM THE AUTHOR (10)
Written by a miner for miners, this book covers all aspects of researching mining claim records, how to locate your own claim and keep it. Send check or money order for $32 dollars to: Tom Kitchar, PO Box 1371, Cave Junction, OR 97523.
FOR SALE (10)
Forty acre placer claim on Clarks Creek. Hasnt been dredged or mined, has real good potential. Has had a magnetometer survey done on the property and shows a large old river channel that has been buried. Just waiting for the right miner to come along. Ten thousand firm on the asking Price. Call: 541-523-3285 or my Cell: at 541-310-8510.
FOR SALE (10)
Eighty acre placer claim on the Burnt River at the mouth of Clarks Creek. Has excellent potential. A large portion hasn’t been dredged. Has buried high bars that has limited work done on them. One high bar that hasn’t been touched. $5,000 firm. Call: 541-523-3285 or my Cell: 541-310-8510.
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