EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 2021
Volume 377
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR MINING ORGANIZATION BY SENDING IN YOUR DUES FOR EOMA MEMBERSHIP
The information you need is on the last page of this newsletter.
FEBRUARY 5TH , 2021 MEETING AT ELK CREEK ENTERPRISES
Many thanks to Alice Knapp for letting us continue to meet at the saw shop while City Hall is not available for meetings. We will have a meeting on FEBRUARY 5TH, 2021 at the Elk Creek Enterprises saw shop located at 890 Elm Street. There is a big TIMBERUNITY sign in the window. The Board Meeting will begin at 6:00PM with the regular meeting following at 6:30PM. Don’t forget, we will give away a $50 dollar silver medallion at the end of the meeting. Come to the meeting, buy a ticket, support EOMA and who knows, you may get lucky!
YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES WERE DUE JANUARY 1ST
If you can’t pay in person, please send your $35 dues ($40 for a couple) to the EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City OR 97814. You should also be able to pay with a credit card or pay pal on our website. www.h2oaccess.com This year the Oregon Legislature is controlled by a Democratic super majority, so we will need all the help we can get to keep anti-mining bills from being passed.
EOMA ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP MARCH 5, 2021
EOMA Executive Committee members serve one-year terms. Board of Directors members serve two-year terms, with half the Board members running for election alternate years. You must be a paid-up member to vote. A ballot is included in this newsletter for those who are unable to attend the March meeting. Be sure your ballot is returned to EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City OR 97814 before the March 5 meeting.
EXCERPTS OF OPINION by E.P. Unum -Sent in by EOMA member
The Democrats didn’t expect Trump to win in 2016. He messed up their plans, and delayed them a little-four years to be exact. They weren’t about to let it happen again. Covid was like manna from heaven for democrats and the socialist left, it was a tool to inject fear into all Americans and it was weaponized with Governors who shut down their states and crumbled their economies out of fear. The media, never to let a good crisis go to waste, helped shame and kill the economy, and the super lucky unverifiable mail-in ballots were just the trick to make sure the 47-year career politician, allegedly with hands in Chinese payrolls, the man that couldn’t finish a sentence or collect a crowd, miraculously became the most popular vote recipient of all time. You have just witnessed a silent, bloodless coup, the overthrow of the US free election system, the end of our Constitutional Republic, and the beginning of the downward slide of capitalism and free enterprise.
Mr. Unum says it like it is. Now it’s up to us to make this country great again.
SEND YOUR NEWSLETTER ITEMS-President Ken Alexander
If you have informative or interesting articles about mining items to share in the newsletter send them to Ken Alexander alxk@ortelco.net, or Chuck Chase CHASE3285@msn.com, or Jan Alexander alx@ortelco.net. Be sure to indicate the source of information you send. The next several years will undoubtedly be challenging. Your ideas and help will be necessary to educate and improve the understanding of the mining industry to the new administration.
MSHA CLASSES
Three annual refresher classes are scheduled. There will be an 8-hour annual refresher on March 5, 2021 and an annual refresher on March 6, 2021. There will also be an annual refresher on April 23, 2021. You must register for each class by calling Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413
New Miner Training is scheduled for April 23, 24 and 25. Again, you must register by calling Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413.
US DISTRICT COURT SUPPORTS MINERS’ RIGHTS
The US District Court for the District of Columbia recently issued a decision in Earthworks vs. Department of Interior (DOI) that reaffirmed miners’ rights to explore and operate on federal lands pursuant to the Mining Law.
A coalition of environmental groups: Earthworks, High Country Citizens’ Alliance, Great Basin Resource Watch, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, and the Western Shoshone Defense Project challenged two DOI regulations, asserting that the regulations improperly interpreted the Mining Law. Specifically, the groups challenged two mining-related rules issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the US Department of the Interior. The plaintiffs alleged that the rules were not promulgated in compliance with various statutory authorities, including the General Mining Law of 1872, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act, according to court documents. The environmental groups lost the lawsuit.
FOREST SERVICE RESCINDS THE 21 INCH RULE-Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region has released a final environmental
assessment and decision that amends forest plans on six national forests in eastern Oregon, revising a provision that prohibits harvesting trees larger than 21 inches in diameter.
The decision replaces the existing 21-inch standard with management policy focused on protecting old and large trees and increasing forest resistance to disturbance. The new policy reflects scientific and experiential learning over the past 25 years, innovative management approaches that collaborative groups have explored for decades, and 24 prior project-level amendments that addressed this issue and informed the analysis.
“This decision will help us to better manage forests for wildfires and other disturbances, and to protect old trees that are hard to replace once lost,” said Pacific Northwest Regional Forester Glenn Casamassa. “We look forward to continuing to work with everyone who has engaged with us on this issue through the monitoring program we will implement.”
Many forests in eastern Oregon are uncharacteristically dense. Tree species that are less resistant to wildfire and other disturbances are increasing relative to historical conditions. This contributes to higher tree mortality risks from insects, fire, drought, and other disturbances. Meant to be an interim measure, the Eastside Screens were created in 1995 to protect riparian areas, encourage a healthy mix of young and old trees, and maintain wildlife habitat and connectivity. Now, 25 years later, the 21-inch standard is being reassessed in light of current forest conditions, the latest science, project-level amendments, and public feedback. Forests affected by the project include the Deschutes, Fremont-Winema, Malheur, Ochoco, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.
ORDER NO. 3395- TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PLANS OF OPERATION-Scott de la Vega Acting Secretary of the Interior.
This Order is made for the purpose of implementing a targeted and time limited elevation of relevant decisions at the Department of the Interior (Department) for the purposes of reviewing the questions of fact, law, and policy they raise. This Order ensures that the Department continues its existing operations-including operations necessary for health, safety, and national security matters-consistent with all legal obligations and policy goals to uphold trust and treaty responsibility to tribal nations and to responsibly steward the Nation's public lands, waters, and resources for current and future generations.
The delegations of authority to Department Bureaus and Offices to take any of the following actions are hereby temporarily suspended, but may be approved by leadership identified in Section 4 of this Order. Approval of many actions, including approval of plans of operation, or amending existing plans of operation under the General Mining Law of 1872, are included in this order. This is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 60 days, or until any of its provisions are amended, superseded, or revoked.
UTE INDIAN TRIBE OF THE UINTA AND OURAY RESERVATION DEMANDS BIDEN RESCIND SUSPENSION OF NEW OIL AND GAS LEASES-Chris Enloe
A federally recognized Native American tribe is demanding President Joe Biden's administration immediately rescind or amend a new policy (Executive Order 3395) that temporarily suspends new oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits on federal land.
The Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, which is located in Utah, blasted acting U.S. Interior Secretary Scott de la Vega for issuing the two-month moratorium, claiming the order violates the tribe's sovereignty.
The Biden administration's action is particularly personal for the Ute Indian Tribe because they produce a significant amount of oil.
The tribe produces about 45,000 barrels of crude oil per day in the Uintah basin, along with about 900 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, according to a document it filed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2017. "The Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation respectfully requests that you immediately amend Order No. 3395 to provide an exception for energy permits and approvals on Indian lands. The Ute Indian Tribe and other energy producing tribes rely on energy development to fund our governments and provide services to our members," Luke Duncan, chairman of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee in Utah, wrote in a letter to de la Vega.
The letter continued, "Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination. Indian lands are not federal public lands. Any action on our lands and interests can only be taken after effective tribal consultation."
"Order No. 3395 violates the United States treaty and trust responsibilities to the Ute Indian Tribe and violates important principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Your order was also issued in violation (of) our government-to-government relationship. Executive Order No. 13175 on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, and Interior's own Policy on Consultation with Tribal Governments," the letter added.
"The order must be withdrawn or amended to comply with Federal law and policies. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward from hearing from you," Duncan concluded.
The Interior Department defended the order, explaining on Thursday that it "does not impact existing ongoing operations under valid leases."
(A note of interest from the editor): Except for Congressional withdrawals, public lands shall remain open and available for mineral exploration and development unless withdrawal or other administrative actions are clearly justified in the national interest… Energy Policy Act of 2005
CLIMATE CHANGE- Chris Enloe
The Biden administration's order 3395 reflects Biden's priority on enacting a progressive climate agenda. In fact, Biden's climate plan includes prioritizing "environmental justice." Biden's website also declares that the far-left Green New Deal "is a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face."
On his first day in office, Biden signed an executive order rejoining the Paris climate agreement and another order canceling the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.
LYNAS CORP RARE EARTH SEPARATION PLANT-Northern Miner
Australian rare earths miner Lynas Corp.’s (ASX: LYC) shares jumped on Friday after it announced a deal with the U.S. government to build a commercial light rare earths separation plant in Texas.
The facility, expected to produce about 5,000 tonnes of rare earths a year, would help Washington’s push to secure domestic supply of essential minerals used in magnets and motors that power phones, wind turbines, electric vehicles and military devices. It would house processing facilities for both heavy and light rare earth elements, directly sourced from Lynas’ cracking and leaching plant under development in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
China currently accounts for 70% of global production of rare earths, controlling 90% of the US$4 billion global market. Lynas, the only major rare earths producer outside China, said both the company and the U.S. Department of Defense could potentially contribute about US$30 million each to the geopolitically generated venture.
“This agreement is consistent with the U.S. Government’s commitment to rebuild the domestic industrial base, while working effectively with partner nations,” CEO Amanda Lacaze, said in a news release. The company did not provide a time frame for building the plant, but told investors its construction was part of its Lynas 2025 plan. Lynas shares soared on the news, closing 13.7% higher at A$5.56. That lifts the company’s value to A$5 billion (about US$3.9 billion). The stock is now up more than 400% from its lows last year when Covid-triggered panic selling rocked global markets.
Despite their name, the 17 minerals grouped under the rare earth elements label are not rare. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), they are roughly as common as copper. But, because rare earth ores oxidize quickly, extracting them is difficult and extremely polluting.
Critical minerals were a focus of the Trump administration. The White House signed agreements with Canada and Australia, among other nations, to secure supply of such elements. President Joe Biden is expected to boost domestic production of specialized minerals even further.
CALICO, GRASSY MTN UPDATE
Calico Resources USA Corp. (Calico) is proposing to construct an underground gold mine and an indoor processing facility on a site in Malheur County about 22 miles south-southeast of Vale. The site includes both private and public lands managed by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Oregon's Chemical Mining Rules apply to this project because cyanide is proposed for processing the gold. The processed tailings will be placed in a tailings disposal facility. This facility must be lined, capped and designed to avoid any discharge to groundwater or surface waters. The impoundment will be capped and sealed upon completion. The overall project is being designed to avoid any discharge to surface or ground waters.
PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE CALICO RESOURCES PROPOSED GOLD MINE IN MALHEUR COUNTY:
A wildlife protection plan will be required to ensure no overall loss of wildlife habitat and to meet the State requirement of an objective of zero wildlife mortality. The Technical Review Team (TRT) Wildlife Subcommittee for the Calico Resources proposed gold mine in Malheur County is scheduled to meet by video teleconference on February 1, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (PST).
The TRT Wildlife Subcommittee is an inter-disciplinary team of state agencies that reviews wildlife information and concerns related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops wildlife-related consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations.
Given COVID-19 safety restrictions, this meeting will be held remotely, and does not have in-person access.
The permitting process provides multiple opportunities for the public and interested stakeholders to participate in reviewing and commenting on Calico's application and the consolidated permit requirements.
MLRS UPDATE: LR2000 REPLACEMENT IS HERE-Jan Alexander
The Bureau of Land Management has MLRS in place. My first query for serial numbers was a bust. The system did not have a lot of claims that I know are active.
With any new system there are bugs, but it was frustrating to me that so many of the claims I was researching, weren’t in the data base.
On December 11, BLM sent a letter to businesses with active mining claims in LR2000. The letter contained information on how to register in the new system – MLRS – when it goes live, and other important details. Individuals with claims will not need a letter in order to register on MLRS. You can also sign up for future e-mail updates, which may be handy.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
THE OREGON CONCRETE AND AGGREGATE ASSOCIATION
EOMA is a member of OCAPA. This is undoubtedly the largest type of mining in Oregon. They have a very interesting and informative website that also may be of interest to metal miners. They keep track of the bills introduced in Oregon’s legislature that may affect all mining in Oregon.
It will be necessary to remind the Oregon legislators, who mainly come from the Willamette Valley, that not all of Oregon has a moderate climate. A bill such as SB 715 which mandates higher percentages of biodiesel doesn’t work for the people who live and work at higher elevations.
Check out their website: https://www.ocapa.net/
EOMA SILVER MEDALLIONS FOR SALE
EOMA still has silver medallions available. They are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $5.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change).
You can order your 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 541-310-8510. Also, you can buy them at our EOMA meetings.
FOR SALE EARTH MAGNETOMETER
This magnetometer measures the amount of magnetics in the ground, such as magnetite. Since magnetite is associated with gold, the magnetometer can help greatly with prospecting, since it will show you the amount of magnetite that may well be associated with gold in the ground. The more magnetite, the more gold. $400 or cash $350. Call Chuck Chase, 541-310-8510.
GOLDEN ANGEL PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
Located on Pine Creek, adjacent to the High Bar (Gold Rush) claims, the three 20-acre Golden Angel claims. There is an approved Plan of Operation in place. Good County road access, water for processing, WPCF permit goes with the sale. For information, call John at 541-620-1177.
GOLD CLAIMS FOR SALE (3)
6 unpatented placer claims (180 acres) located on Elk Creek near Baker City.
Sale includes all equipment (2 excavators, dump truck, trommel, pumps, generators, etc).
Site was featured on the cover of ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal (August 2014).
Approved Plan of Operation with US Forest Service in place and can be transferred (expires 2021, but additional time can be applied for). DEQ WPCF process permit goes with the sale of the claims. For price, pictures and details, call Don Enright, 509-860-1145 or email: donaldenright25@gmail.com
NATIVE SPIRIT 60 ACRE CLAIM FOR SALE
This claim is located on McCully Creek on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest just west of the town of Sumpter. Good access, off-channel water is available for processing. DEQ process permit goes with the sale of the claim. Plan of Operation is scheduled to be approved in the fall of 2020. Call Charles Stewart at 541-910-5435 for more information. I will look at any reasonable offers.
WANTED-GOLD
Gold Specimens and Gold nuggets, mostly from Oregon mines. Fair prices paid. Also selling Gold nugget jewelry, specimens, nuggets and more. For an interesting and informative experience explore www.northernnevadagold.com. Call Robert 775-455-6470.
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