EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 2016
Volume 327
EOMA INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.h2oaccess.com/
EASTERN OREGON MINING ASSOCIATION MEETING
Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month. The next meeting is Friday, DECEMBER 2ND, 2016 at the Baker City Hall. The building is located at 1st and Auburn Streets in Baker City. The Board meeting starts at 6:00 PM. The general meeting starts at 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. Don’t forget there is a drawing for a $50 silver medallion at the meeting!
LAST CHANCE! DECEMBER 2 DRAWING ON THE MINELAB METAL DETECTOR
At our December EOMA meeting, we will have the drawing for the Minelab SD 2200-D metal detector. This is a complete set up. It comes with a battery, a spare battery, a large and a small head, a carrying case, belt, pick holder and a complete charging package. Also included are the instruction books. This is a $2,500 value. Tickets are selling for $1.00 for one ticket or 6 tickets for $5.00. See the ticket form attached to this newsletter. Fill out the Multiple Entry Form, enclose your check and send to EOMA, P.O. Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814. We will fill your tickets out for you. Make sure your tickets are in by the EOMA meeting date or come to the next meeting and buy your tickets then.
PLEASE SUPPORT EOMA-SEND IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES BY JANUARY 1ST
The information you need to renew your membership is on the last page of this newsletter.
We try to keep our dues low so all miners can afford to be members. The advantages of being an EOMA member include help with Federal and State agencies, keeping miners informed about new State and Federal anti-mining legislation, and keeping miners informed about Federal agencies' Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements that will affect mine operations. EOMA members can help miners with Plans of Operation and Notices, and can help miners prepare letters and comments. It is important that we all work together to help keep our industry alive.
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
As we look at the results of the latest election, there is clear evidence that more and more people have grown dissatisfied with the current direction of Federal and State agencies. Overreach by a strong central government, and selectively ignoring parts of our Constitution, has angered many people. For example, high level government employees and politicians use the protection of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to avoid answering questions about their possible criminal activities. It seems that they are successful every time using this as a defense. However, the Fifth Amendment also says private property will not be taken for public use without just compensation. Miners are constantly required to protect (not mine) portions of their private property because some public use may be impacted, such as wildlife habitat, a riparian area, or a certain plant species. The courts have long recognized in the past that "federal management must yield to mining as the dominant and primary use". Government agencies need to recognize that minerals are private property. The Fifth Amendment should work for protection, not just of politicians, but also of miners' private property.
It has become routine for government agencies to literally take years to authorize Plans of Operation for the use of miners' private property. Arbitrary withdrawal of millions of acres of mineral rights in the name of protecting a species that is not even endangered, (such as the case with sage grouse) is happening throughout the west. Refusing to issue a permit to use motorized dredging equipment to extract minerals from a claim, such as in the Rinehart case, made his private property economically worthless. I have yet to hear the State of California offer “just compensation” under the Fifth Amendment for this “taking” of private property. Oregon’s Senate Bill 838, forcing a ban on the use of motorized equipment on mining claims, (under the guise of a moratorium for five years) is the law in Oregon. This should be a clear "takings" of the miners' private property. Unfortunately, our judicial system is corrupted to the point that principles that used to be clear under the Constitution are now nuanced and complicated far beyond the reach of the common man to achieve “justice” without a well-connected, expensive, attorney.
Miners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment and property, with the encouragement of existing Federal Law. Arbitrary and capricious moratoriums, bans, and delays in permitting must stop. EOMA is investigating the formation of mining districts as a tool to help bring some balance to the situation.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
The next Roundtable Discussion between miners, Forest Service, BLM and Baker County will take place on Tuesday January 10th at the Baker County Commission Chamber, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM. We will be discussing action items that were accomplished by the agencies during 2016, and what the agencies believe they can accomplish in 2017 to get miners mining. Also, the agencies will talk about how the new administration will be affecting their organizations. Mining Districts will be a topic at the Roundtable. If there are other topics miners want discussed, please let Jan know at 541-446-3413. The public is welcome to attend and to provide comments.
LEADERS FOR THE 2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION-The Oregon Senate Democrats
Leaders for the 2017 Legislative Session will be as follows:
· Senate President Designate: Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Woodburn/Gervais);
· Senate President Pro Tempore Designate: Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham);
· Senate Majority Leader: Ginny Burdick (D-Portland);
· Senate Deputy Majority Leader: Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis);
· Senate Majority Whip: Mark Hass (D-Beaverton);
· Senate Majority Whip: Rod Monroe (D-Portland);
· Senate Assistant Majority Leader: Michael Dembrow (D-Portland);
· Senate Assistant Majority Leader: Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro).
In the 2017 Session, Democrats will hold a 17-13 majority in the Senate. Things may look better at the National level, but in Oregon, I am betting the Democrats will double their efforts to stop mining in this state.
THERE WILL BE A POWER POINT PRESENTATION ON MINING DISTRICTS AT THE EOMA MEETING DECEMBER 2, 2016
We will be showing a power point presentation at our next meeting, Friday, December 2. It will provide information on the process and the power of organized Mining Districts.
Thanks to Joe Greene and Claudia Wise, MMAC Administrators, who have been instrumental in organizing Mining Districts on the west side of the state The power point presentation we have for the December 2, 2016 meeting was put together by Joe Greene, with help from Scott Harn, Editor of ICMJ.
MINING DISTRICTS ARE BEING ORGANIZED ACROSS OREGON
In the last few years, the Minerals and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC) has been helping to organize Mining Districts across the West. The reason for the interest in Mining Districts is the overreaching regulations enacted by the Forest Service and BLM on the Public Lands, which are impacting public land users, including miners.
Just in Oregon, in the last few months, Mining Districts have sprung up on both the west side and east side of Oregon. Included in the Mining Districts on the west side of Oregon are the North Santiam, Quartzville, Bohemia, and soon to be organized Blue River Mining Districts. On the East side of the state there are the Blue Canyon, Pocahontas and soon to be organized Pine Creek, the Pioneer Mining Districts. These Mining Districts cover hundreds of square miles of Public Lands.
EOMA ELECTIONS NOMINATING COMMITTEE
At the December meeting, a nominating committee will be chosen. The miners on this committee will nominate members for President, Vice-President, Directors, Treasurer, and other positions.
PROOF OF LABOR MUST BE RECEIVED BY BLM BY DECEMBER 30, 2016
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, 2016, your claims will be lost.
EOMA HAS LOST A LONG TIME SUPPORTER
Howard Brooks has passed, we will sorely miss you Howard. Howard worked for the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and had an office here in Baker City. Howard did the mapping for this part of Oregon, including maps showing where different types of minerals were located, and maps of rock types. Howard also did studies on the plate tectonics here in Oregon and along the Pacific coast, warning that a massive quake of major proportions is about 40 years overdue. But I think Howard will be best remembered for the many books on mining he authored. I personally will remember Howard for him bringing his books down to sell during Miners Jubilee every year. We saved him a place at the end of a table near the front of the EOMA’s booth where Howard would meet and greet people, talk mining and geology and sell his books. His passing is a great loss to all that knew him.
DEQ 600 PERMITS WILL EXPIRE ON JANUARY 31, 2017- RENEW NOW-Jan Alexander
DEQ has sent letters to miners with mobile and non-mobile general 600 permits (settling pond permits) informing them that they must fill out the on-line application and send to DEQ by December 31, 2016 . The cover letter on the application states: "Permit holders currently registered to the permit MUST complete this form and submit it to DEQ by December 31, 2016, to ensure permit coverage following the expiration date. No fee is required. DEQ will terminate permit coverage if the renewal application is not received by the permit expiration date".
Any miners who do not have permits need to apply for new permits now. The deadline for submittal of new permit applications is January 31, 2017. The legislature will be considering several anti-mining bills this session. One is sure to be a limitation on the number of WPCF permits, similar to what they have done for suction dredging. This is just a guess, but I think they will establish the cap on permit numbers as the number of permits applied for or in place on February 1, 2017.
I have helped 30-40 people so far. Please do give me a call if you have questions on the application. It is important that all miners who will be processing, using anything from hand held sluice boxes, or highbankers, to wash plants and mills to apply for this permit.
EOMA SILVER MEDALLIONS
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 previous year's medallions, as well as the gorgeous 2016 medallions. These are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $5.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change). You can order yours 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 541-523-3285.
1/2 POUND OF GOLD DRAWING
Besides the drawing for the 1/2 pound of gold on June 2, 2017, there will also be drawings for all kinds of mining equipment. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to help pay legal fees for several law suits which are critical to keeping Oregon miners mining. The preliminary drawing will be held December 2, 2016, when several prizes will be given away. The final drawing for 1/2 pound of gold will be held on June 2, 2017. You do not need to be present to win!
EOMA SELECTED INTERNET SITES OF INTEREST TO MINERS
Many interesting and useful website links can be found on EOMA’s website: http://www.h2oaccess.com/ Look under the heading Mining Links. Some other links you may find interesting are below. If you know of a site that you find particularly interesting and would like to share with others reading the EOMA newsletter send it to alxk@ortelco.net . We also send the newsletter out electronically to people who request it. Support EOMA by paying your dues.
http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ofr/O-16-06_Report.pdf
http://oregonmining.org/
https://www.facebook.com/OregonMiningAssociation https://www.facebook.com/easternoregonminingassociation/
PUBLIC NOTICES
MEETING NOTICE FOR THE PIONEER MINING DISTRICT
If you have claims located in the Burnt River, Clarks Creek or Bridgeport area you have a stake in organizing this Mining District. A letter will be sent out informing all the claim owners we could find of the upcoming meeting. If you have claims or think your claims are in the area please come and join us.
The meeting will take place on Friday, December 16th, 2016 ay Chuck Chase’s residence and mining Lab located at 740 Valley Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814. The meeting will start at 2:00 pm, Packets will be handed out with the old transcribed minutes and information on MMAC and what that organization can do for miners, along with other pertinent information.
MEETING NOTICE FOR THE PINE CREEK MINING DISTRICTS
If you have claims located in the Greenhorn, North Fork Burnt River, or Camp Creek areas you will have a stake in organizing this Mining District. A letter will be sent out informing all the claim owners we could find of the upcoming meeting. If you have claims or think your claims are in the area please come and join us.
The meeting will take place on Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at Chuck Chase’s residence and mining Lab located at 740 Valley Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814. The meeting will start at 2:00 pm, Packets will be handed out with the old transcribed minutes and information on MMAC and what that organization can do for miners along with other pertinent information.
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 has run.
WANTED-MINI EXCAVATOR(6)
Mini Excavator, thumb, blade a plus. Either in good working condition or in need of repair.
Call: Roy at (541) 881-6413 or Ray at (541) 892-0933.
BIG HORSE CUSTOMS-MSHA CERTIFIED, READY TO WORK ON YOUR EQUIPMENT
Big Horse Customs has experienced heavy equipment mechanics, a mobile service truck and we can do your welding, fabrication and repairs. Call Sam at 541-519-5751 or 541-519-8196.
FOR SALE M35A2 Army truck w /mounted 10" x 26" reconditioned Austin-Western jaw crusher and new 50 HP Kohler gas driver; discharge classifier. Used Kamflex elevator feeding new Stuttenroth 2tph impact mill & new 18 HP clutched Honda gas driver w/ classifying variable speed vibratory discharge feeder, all with approx. 12 hrs use. Also included is a new powder magazine, ATF approved 17" x 24"W x 48'L, (1/2" thick, steel, plywood lined) 800 lb. w/ dolly $40,000 Contact Alan Rathmacher, (208) 521-3649 or alanrathmacher@gmail.com photos available
FLOTATION SYSTEM Enclosed trailer mounted flotation system; 8 rebuilt DECO # 5 sub-A float cells plumbed in 4 sets of pairs in series, varispeed paddle system. Onan 10kw generator, 2 new 35 gal. gas tanks, new 29 gal 150 psi compressor w/ air system plumbed for 120, 90, & 15 psi, 1000 lb electric hoist. Outrigger stabilization jacks for leveling in the field, 1/8" containment deck, new tires, 384 watts of fluorescent lights. $14,000.00.
Contact Alan Rathmacher, (208) 521-3649 or alanrathmacher@gmail.com photos available
SUBSCRIBE TO MINING JOURNAL FOR UP TO DATE NEWS
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CARETAKER POSITION AVAILABLE
Wanted: Full time caretaker for remote property about 20 miles from John Day, Oregon. Primitive, well insulated house, wood heat only, good water from spring. Off the grid, power from gas generator if needed. ¼ mile level driveway off county maintained road. Must have own chain saw, 4 x 4 vehicle with chains, cut own firewood, and help with chores. Inquire by e-mail (tseal@unr.edu) or by mail to Caretaker, PO Box 8353, Spring Creek, NV 89815.
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