Mine Idaho 2021 by DEL Communications Inc.

mIne Idaho 2021

Official Publication of the Idaho Mining Association

30 Mining for helpful provisions in the new NEPA regulations By Kaycee May Royer, Perkins Coie LLP

18 A year of mining and exploration in Idaho amid the challenges of a global pandemic and the Idaho Geological Survey effort in the National Geographic and Geophysical Data Preservation Program

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

By Virginia S. Gillerman, Reed Lewis and Claudio Berti, Idaho Geological Survey

14 Meaningful, professional interaction in the time of COVID By Dale Kerner

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2021

A message from the President of the Idaho Mining Association, Luke Russell

Mining and milking: Two Idaho industries working together during a time of need

8 A message from the Executive Director of the Idaho Mining Association, Benjamin Davenport

Idaho Mining Association members

Modern mining and politics

Mining for helpful provisions in the new NEPA regulations

mIne Idaho Published by

DEL Communications Inc. www.delcommunications.com President & CEO David Langstaff Managing Editor Cindy Chan cindy@delcommunications.com Advertising Sales Manager Dayna Oulion dayna@delcommunications.com

Idaho Mining Association member benefits

Excellon Resources: New to Idaho, not new to mining

Idaho Mining Association principles

Going for gold

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Idaho Mining Conference 2020 – Meaningful, professional interaction in the time of COVID-19

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18 A year of mining and exploration in Idaho amid the challenges of a global pandemic and the Idaho Geological Survey effort in the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program

22 Idaho mining restores lands and reduces mineral imports – a win-win

24 Regulatory watch – Regulations you need to know

42 Upper Blackfoot Confluence celebrates 10 years of progress

44 Itafos Conda: Continuing the 100-year legacy of Idaho phosphate mining

46 J.R. Simplot Company: Surviving and thriving

47 Optimizing machine uptime with health equipment insights

“Fill the Mill”

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28 New developments at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

What’s next for Midas Gold Idaho?

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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3L 0G5 Email: david@delcommunications.com PRINTED IN CANADA 12/2020

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A message from the President of the Idaho Mining Association

LUKE RUSSELL

LEARNING FROM COVID-19: NOW IS THE TIME

he current COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted our daily lives and livelihoods. We have all realized that there are many things we took for granted, like going shopping, eating at a restaurant or even going

to work. Similarly, this virus has laid bare the vulnerabilities in the supply chain for numerous everyday items like personal protective equipment, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and empty shelves at Home Depot. The materials produced from mining are at the very front end of the supply chain and are used in virtually every sector of our economy. They are used to construct hospitals, roads and critical infrastructure; they are indispensable components of consumer goods like cell phones and computers; they are used in medical field technologies like CAT scans, pace makers and ventilators; the fertilizers that grow our food, and they are the foundation of renew-

able energy technologies and electric vehicles. Hard-rock minerals are exactly the type of thing that most Americans have taken for granted as to their importance to our every-day needs. The United States has the mineral resources within our borders

to responsibly meet our own health, energy and technology needs, yet we remain entirely reliant on foreign countries, like China, for 18 key minerals, and we are over 50 percent import-reliant for another 30 necessary minerals. Instead of tapping into our own country’s natural resources and creating a reliable supply chain to power American development, we are outsourcing our future to foreign producers who are shutting their borders and may have lower environmental standards. The state of Idaho recognized the essential nature of mining during this pandemic and our member companies have stepped up to ensure worker and community health and safety while continuing to produce these fundamental minerals for our way of life. The Idaho mining industry is showing leadership and working proactively with local communities and non-profit organizations to find solutions during this trying time. Mining has always been and is even more today an essential contributor to the wheels of commerce and technology, and the Idaho Mining Association members are ready to be a leader as the U.S. economy recovers and creates a new normal after the pandemic. s

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A message from the Executive Director of the Idaho Mining Association

BENJAMIN DAVENPORT

t has been an interesting year for all of us, and the Idaho Mining Association and its members were no exception. What started as an otherwise normal year full of events, planning, policy debates and opportunities to enjoy the company of

local communities. As we navigated the first few months of the

industry members quickly gave way to a need to pivot to a more

and our supply of essential goods were closely tied to our ability

virtual way of communicating and working toward continuing to

to go to work.

do our part during a global pandemic.

pandemic, there were shortages of personal protective equipment, and grocery stores saw shortages on sanitizers, non-perishables and, yes, even toilet paper. It was clear that our economy

As the pandemic took hold, other at risk supply chains have

While the mining sector was rightfully defined as an essential

been identified. Most related to mining, the pandemic has un-

business during times of shutdown, there were precautions that

earthed our nation’s over-reliance on other countries for minerals

had to be taken to ensure the safety of our workforces and our

and metals that are on the front of virtually every supply chain

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in our nation. It seems that policymakers are starting to pay at-

ment, renewable energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics

tention to the risk that this dependence poses to our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

and so many of the products that we use on a daily basis to drive

economy and to our national security. Since early spring as the

our economy and provide for our national defense.

pandemic was sweeping the world, we have seen initiatives out

In September 2020, the administration released a second Ex-

of both the White House and on Capitol Hill that would help iden-

ecutive Order. This time, the order declared a national emergency

tify these minerals and encourage their production.

and directed administrative agencies to report on a number of

In late 2017, the White House, under Executive Order 13817, directed federal agencies to create a strategy to reduce the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vulnerability to disruptions in the supply of critical minerals. This led to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) identifying a list of 35 critical minerals as well as a handful of other important minerals to United States. According to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries report, the U.S. depends on foreign countries for more than 50 percent of its supply of 31 of the 35 minerals considered critical to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic wellbeing and national security, including 100

things related to our domestic supply of these minerals and to encourage the production and refining of these critical minerals. Members of Congress are also weighing in on the subject by floating legislation and submitting letters to land use agencies and holding hearings on the impact COVID has had on our mineral supply chain. Although legislation has yet to pass, there is a growing voice and concern for securing a domestic supply of these minerals. We have learned a lot over the past year. Among other things,

percent import-reliant for 14 of them. Many of which come from

we have learned the need for greater personal responsibility,

what most would view are countries with adversarial govern-

we have learned that we need to help protect our families and

ments.

communities and we have learned that we need to have a se-

The minerals which the U.S. is fully reliant on foreign nations

cure supply chain of essentials that are the building blocks of our

for its supply are essential to the supply chains necessary for the

economy. I am hopeful and confident that these lessons will last

research and manufacturing of medical devices, military equip-

longer than the COVID-19 pandemic. s

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Idaho Mining Association 9

IMA MEMBERS OPERATING MEMBERS

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DEVELOPING MEMBERS Endomines | Jervois Mining | Midas Gold Idaho

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IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

IMA MEMBER BENEFITS INFORMATION Stay informed on up-to-the-minute industry news that might otherwise pass you by. Becoming a member of the Idaho Mining Association (IMA) gives you access to news and developments in the industry along with the opportunity to hear and learn from peers in the industry.

IMA MEMBER BENEFITS

INFORMATION NETWORKING Stay informed on up-to-the-minute industry news thatamight pass you by. Becoming a member of the Idaho Mining Connect and create relationships. The IMA provides greatotherwise networking opportunity for members who want to strengthen ties Association (IMA) gives you access to news and developments in the industry along with the opportunity to hear and learn with clients or colleagues in their industry, hunt for jobs or make long-term connections. from peers in the industry. STRENGTH & POWER IN NUMBERS NETWORKING Influence how decision are made. Working together, our collective experience on the issues and in navigating the burdensome Connect and create relationships. Thebenefits IMA provides great networking regulatory environment are valuable all IMAamembers enjoy. opportunity for members who want to strengthen ties with clients or colleagues in their industry, hunt for jobs or make long-term connections. BEST PRACTICES STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Lead the way&inPOWER implementing industry best practices. Members of the IMA gain resources on what is happening in the industry Influence how decision are made. Working our start collective experience on issues and in navigating the burdensome to keep our practices safe and efficient and together, have a head on implementing newthepractices as they are amended or change. regulatory environment are valuable benefits all IMA members enjoy. EVENTS BEST MakePRACTICES staying engaged easy. Companies who join IMA participate in association events focused on forming valuable Lead the wayand in implementing industry best of the IMA gain resources and on what is happening in the industry connections trade shows, seminars andpractices. workshopsMembers that provide valuable connections education opportunities. to keep our practices safe and efficient and have a head start on implementing new practices as they are amended or change. SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND THE FUTURE EVENTS Amplify industry’s voice, support industry growth and act as a watchdog for mining as a whole. As a member, you will be Make staying Companies participate association focused on forming valuable supporting theengaged mission ofeasy. the IMA and the who workjoin we IMA do. Many of ourinmembers see events the value of helping promote the connections and trade shows, seminars and workshops that provide valuable connections and education opportunities. future of mining. SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND THE FUTURE Amplify industry’s voice, support industry growth and act as a watchdog for mining as a whole. As a member, you will be supporting the mission of the IMA and the work we do. Many of our members see the value of helping promote the future of mining. 2019 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF IMA MEMBER FIRMS* 10,156 employees| $654 million in compensation | $93 million in taxes generated | ~$1.2 billion in Gross State Product FOR EVERY 1 DIRECT JOB, AN ADDITIONAL 1.5 ADDITIONAL JOBS ARE CREATED *Numbers include a multiplier effect

2019 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF IMA MEMBER FIRMS* 10,156 employees| $654 million in compensation | $93 million in taxes generated | ~$1.2 billion in Gross State Product FOR EVERY 1 DIRECT JOB, AN ADDITIONAL 1.5 ADDITIONAL JOBS ARE CREATED *Numbers include a multiplier effect ™

IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

™

IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

IMA PRINCIPLES IMA VISION THE IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION ADVOCATES FOR A RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE MINING INDUSTRY, BENEFITING OUR STATE AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES

IMA PRINCIPLES

OUR MISSION TO BE RECOGNIZED AS THE TRUSTED VOICEIMA OF IDAHO’S MINING INDUSTRY BY… VISION 1. Promoting responsible development of Idaho’s diverse mineral resources THE2.IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION FOR A RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE MINING INDUSTRY, Encouraging economic growth by ADVOCATES creating and maintaining high quality jobs BENEFITING OUR STATE LOCAL COMMUNITIES 3. Encouraging government to support the interests of theAND membership 4. Counseling membership on the industry developments and trends 5. Educating the public on the importance of the mineral industry to society OUR MISSION 6. Interacting with other organizations on matters of common interest TO BE RECOGNIZED AS THE TRUSTED VOICE OF IDAHO’S MINING INDUSTRY BY… 1. Promoting responsible development of Idaho’s diverse mineral resources 2. Encouraging economic growth by creating and maintaining high quality jobs OUR MEMBER VALUES 3. Encouraging government to support the interests of the membership 4. •Demonstrate Counseling membership oninthe industry developments and trends Excellence Safety 5. •Operate Educating the on the the mineral industry to society in apublic Manner Thatimportance Protects theofEnvironment 6. •Communicate Interacting with other organizations on matters of common interest Openly with Stakeholders •Engage in Ethical Business Practices

OUR MEMBER VALUES WE BELIEVE •Demonstrate Excellence in Safety •Operate a Manner That mineral Protectsbase the Environment •Idaho’s in uniquely diverse is a major asset of the state and its utilization will enhance the economy •Communicate Stakeholders •A financially Openly healthy with mining industry is necessary to derive value from this asset •Engage Ethical Business Practices •Miningincan be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner •A close working relationship with government is necessary to accomplish the IMA mission

WE BELIEVE •Idaho’s uniquely diverse mineral base is a major asset of the state and its utilization will enhance the economy •A financially healthy mining industry is necessary to derive value from this asset •Mining can be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner •A close working relationship with government is necessary to accomplish the IMA mission ™

IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

™

IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

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Conference recap By Dale Kerner, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. Permitting Manager, and Idaho Mining Conference Planning Committee Chair Dale Kerner.

Idaho mining conference 2020 – Meaningful, professional interaction in the time of COVID

sk any miner, adaptation is a necessity and a concept you had best come to terms with if you want to survive in the industry. Poorly performing resource models, rocks that don’t behave the way they’re expected to or an inaccurate sitewide water balance can throw things offtrack. When the unexpected arises, there’s little choice but to adjust the approach in the face of the data, make sure the job can proceed safely and crack on. Such was the case for the Idaho Mining Conference (IMC) in 2020. With a new reality in the public health sector, virtual alternatives to in-person meetings became the new normal across many con-

14 Mine Idaho

ference circuits and we (the IMC Planning Committee) saw the writing on the wall. The challenge at hand was to provide a meaningful event for a professional community that is well-known for its proclivity to enthusiastic social interaction. However, with some creativity, a full-throated approval from survey responders, and a robust thumbs-up from the sponsors, the 2020 IMC met the challenge. Instead of an in-lieu placeholder, the Idaho Mining Association (IMA), their sustaining members and the IMC Planning Committee offered up a full day of web-based content that made the third annual event a success by any measure. On the opener, Governor Brad Little

welcomed conference-goers and kicked off the IMC in grand style by proclaiming October 29 as Idaho Mining Day. In doing so, he marked the 160th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Pierce, Idaho and recognized the continued importance of the Idaho mining industry to the identity and economy of our great state, our quality of life and the defense of our nation. On his closing, and to underscore this worthy announcement, three parallel-track technical sessions got things rolling and vied for the attention of the 340 conference attendees, which included a conferencerecord 40 college and university students. Senator Jim Risch christened the opening presentation on Critical Minerals, a

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topics were summaries of recent changes in state and federal regulatory frameworks in the Environment session. And new to the IMC this year, the Future of Mining session highlighted Hayley Rambur’s (Midas Gold Idaho) grassroots efforts to educate young minds on the importance of the mining industry, and Josh Serfass (Integra Resources Corp.) informed us that millennials are here to stay…and that’s a good thing! Throughout the day, videotaped presentations allowed for speakers to interact with attendees in real-time Q&A and even allowed them to “take it outside” afterward in designated chat rooms. The afternoon policy panel discussions likewise adopted the 2020 IMC’s “Adapt and Overcome” ethos with two successive videotaped sessions that covered state and federal policy trajectories. Kevin

topic which earned session level status at this year’s IMC, building on last year’s rousing call to action. Cobalt and antimony deposits in Idaho shared top billing on the marquee; we hope to see these projects advance into the Operations session in coming years. Speaking of Operations, representatives from all corners of the state provided updates on operating gold, silver, phosphate and pumice mines, which together represent a $1.2-billion industry and an important cornerstone of the Idaho economy. New and expanded discoveries in greenfield and historic districts alike were the focus of the Exploration session, and the Idaho Geological Survey showed us how they support the identification of future targets with their progress toward an all-digital geologic map of Idaho. Rounding out the technical

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Beaton (partner, Stoel Rives) moderated the Idaho Policy Panel and together with panelist Alan Prouty (VP environmental regulatory affairs, J.R. Simplot Company) introduced us to the new division administrator for the Idaho Department of Lands, Mick Thomas, and the new director of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Jess Byrne. It has been an active year for negotiated rulemaking in Idaho and the IMA appreciates regulators coming to the table to discuss the perspectives of industry and regulatory agencies. The 2020 IMC ended strong with a Federal Policy Panel discussion moderated by Erika Malmen (partner, Perkins Coie). Representatives from prominent mining advocacy organizations including the American Exploration and Mining Association (Sid Smith, governmental affairs), and the National Mining Association (Katie Sweeney, senior VP and general counsel) and federal agency representatives from the U.S. Forest Service (Heidi Torrealday, regional geologist) and the Bureau of Land Management (Joe Larsen, mining law program lead) sat down to discuss a variety of important federal issues, as well as the potential changes to the industry that might be wrought from a change in the occupant of the White House. Despite our current vantage point post-election, those questions remain to be answered but the implications are weighty. In closing, I would like to reiterate the conference-ending remarks delivered by IMA executive vice president Ben Davenport and sincerely thank all of the members, sponsors and attendees that helped make the 2020 IMC a successful event. We are living in trying times, and the level of support that we received for this event is a good indication that the Idaho mining industry will remain strong despite the current setbacks. The IMC Planning Committee is planning for an exciting return to an in-person (and expanded) event next year and the dates are set; mark your calendar for November 1 and 2, 2021. We look forward to your continued support and participation and we’ll see you at the 2021 IMC. s

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A year of mining and exploration in Idaho

amid the challenges of a global pandemic and the Idaho Geological Survey effort in the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program By Virginia S. Gillerman, Reed Lewis and Claudio Berti, Idaho Geological Survey

daho’s mining and exploration industry persevered through the new challenge of a pandemic and developed procedures to keep working as a critical industry. As a result, operations ramped up to create a very busy second half of 2020. Idaho was ranked eighth as a global jurisdiction and third in the country

in overall investment attractiveness by the Fraser Institute survey of mining companies in early 2020. Additional information on current and historic mines and exploration can be found on the Mines and Minerals page of the Idaho Geological Survey [https://www.idahogeology.org/minesminerals].

Idaho mineral exploration projects in 2020.

18 Mine Idaho

The year started with good news when miners at Hecla’s Lucky Friday mine in north Idaho finally settled their 2.5-yearlong strike in January. Hecla was ramping up to full production by year-end with higher-grade silver-rich zones ready to mine at depth. The Galena mine, owned by Americas Gold and Silver Corporation, put Eric Sprott’s new investment into mine rehabilitation, new equipment and over 12,000 feet of exploration drilling completed by November with more underway. Multiple silver-lead vein intercepts from drilling on several levels and particularly the deep 5,500-level added significant ounces to the silver resource. On the west end of the Coeur d’Alene district, a revitalized Bunker Hill Mining Company drilled several holes from surface and was evaluating silver potential of the large, historic lead-zinc mine. New Jersey Mining Company mined gold from underground and surface at the Golden Chest mine at Murray, and Endomines reported their first gold shipment from the Friday mine along the Orogrande shear zone west of Elk City. Phosphate mining remains the largest segment of Idaho’s mining industry, however, and all three operators, Bayer, Simplot and Itafos were producing and shipping ore to their local processing plants to make elemental phosphorus or phosphoric acid fertilizers. Bayer drilled the newly permitted Caldwell Canyon deposit for mine planning and design. The Bureau of Land Management approved J.R. Simplot Company’s new Dairy Syncline mine and East Smoky panel, and Itafos mined their Rasmussen Valley property and did permitting work at the Husky/Dry Ridge property. Exploration, including grass roots pros-

pecting, increased significantly as the gold price kept rising to over $1,900 and silver to over $20 per troy ounce by July 2020. Activity in 2020 focused on gold and silver, but base metals were also important at several advanced properties. The eagerly awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Midas Gold’s Stibnite gold-antimony mine and restoration proposal was released for public comment in August by the U.S. Forest Service. Larger, advanced precious metal projects in 2020 included Integra Resources’ drilling, resource modelling and metallurgical work at the DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold-silver mines, both past-producers in Owyhee County, Revival Gold’s project at the Beartrack gold mine in Lemhi County and the nearby Haidee mine and Arnett Creek areas and Liberty Gold’s drilling at the Carlin-style gold deposit at Black Pine in Cassia County. All these projects centered around past-producing mines that closed during a lengthy period of low gold prices. Excellon acquired Otis Gold’s Kilgore project, another epithermal system in Clark County, Idaho Champion acquired the closed Champagne gold mine near Arco in Butte County and also drilled the Baner project near Orogrande. At Mackay, Phoenix Copper drilled the polymetallic skarn at the Empire mine and a new copper-gold prospect nearby. At South Mountain in Owyhee County, BeMetals explored the polymetallic skarn and replacement mineralization. In the Idaho Cobalt Belt of Lemhi County, the declining cobalt price, which had spiked up in 2018, provided less impetus for ex-

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Midas Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO Laurel Sayer at public meeting in Yellow Pine. Development drilling at Bayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Caldwell Canyon phosphate mine lease.

Phoenix Copper drilling at Empire mine.

IGS Mineral Property file scan progress.

20 Mine Idaho

ploration. However, Jervois Mining, an Australian company, continued work at their Idaho Cobalt Operation in the Blackbird district, and First Cobalt, a Canadian company, released a new resource calculation and completed a geophysical survey at the Iron Creek property. Both companies and several inactive companies were planning drilling and other work in 2021. Ongoing geological mapping of the Idaho Cobalt Belt by the Idaho Geological Survey will assist both cobalt-copper and regional gold exploration when completed. An encouraging development for future exploration in Idaho was the resumption of grassroots exploration, principally for gold. Several properties which had not been explored in quite some time were acquired, mapped and sampled, and even drilled during the year. Locations of some of the exploration sites are included in the exploration map. Since 2007, the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) has been involved in the Nation-

al Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP). This effort is resulting in a vast digital repository of over 20,000 documents from the IGS Mineral Property Files collection (MPF), that is serviced through a near-real time updated interactive web map application on the IGS website [https://www.idahogeology.org/ webmap]. To date, approximately 80 percent of the MPF has been digitally acquired and made available to the public. A version of the database (updated 12/7/2018) is also available for download at no cost through the IGS website and working version can be requested as needed (publication DD-1 Database of the Mines and Prospects of Idaho - version 1.2018.1) [https://www.idahogeology.org/product/dd-1]. Recent efforts have been focused on properties that contain critical minerals such as REE and cobalt including posting of rare U.S. Atomic Energy Commission published and unpublished documents. In addition, the IGS completed digitization and posting of Regional Development Reports consisting of yearly IGS mining and exploration summaries dating back to the 1970s. s

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Idaho Mining Association 21

Idaho mining restores lands and reduces mineral imports –

a win-win By Dr. Ned Mamula and Ann Bridges

Dr. Ned Mamula.

Ann Bridges.

here actually is something much worse than having a foreign country cut off its exports of badly needed critical

cal minerals, especially rare earths—and

metals to the U.S. for more than 70 years.

ironically many of those are readily avail-

This long import history is unfortunate

Asking U.S. allies to fill our nation’s

to the largest primary producer of mo-

minerals to the U.S.—and that is when

normal critical minerals needs, let alone

lybdenum in North America—and Idaho

America cuts off its own domestic supply

during a national emergency, is no longer

contains some of the largest phosphate

of critical minerals to itself.

a reliable option. Actually, most of Ameri-

deposits in the U.S., significant cobalt

The latter started decades ago when

ca’s allies mirror our own supply chain de-

deposits, large rare earth prospects at

policymakers, in the name of environ-

ficiencies, or are increasingly using their

Lemhi, and major Silver Valley mines that

mentalism and global outsourcing, began

domestically mined critical minerals for

produced significant lead, zinc, copper

limiting access to massive tracts of min-

their own manufacturing—like America

and silver, and antimony, germanium and

eral-rich federal lands open to explora-

should be doing.

other specialty metals as byproducts of

able in Idaho.

because until recently Idaho was home

tion and mining—and extending by years,

Thus, the minerals “import only” mind-

sometimes decades, the time required for

set has demonstrated a steep downside,

Therefore, to support and defend the

a mining permit approval. Those policy-

which now negatively affects our econ-

world’s largest, technology-based, envi-

makers deliberately chose an easier path

omy and national security. We are now

ronmentally friendly economy, we must

to obtain critical minerals for U.S. emerg-

unnecessarily “fragile” due to over-reli-

enable and tap into our domestic free

ing technologies: import them from

ance on China, Russia, other communist

market to mine and process the essential

wherever globally, at the cheapest prices,

countries, and several dictatorships for

minerals and metals that America needs

regardless of the environmental damage,

minerals and metals needed for the U.S.

for 21st century manufacturing at home,

child labor abuses, or corruption often

economy, defense, information technol-

especially those mentioned as occurring

occurring in other countries producing

ogy, aerospace, and aeronautics.

in abundance in Idaho.

those critical minerals destined for U.S. manufacturers.

the base metal and silver mining.

On October 23, 2020, an article ap-

One company leading the way is Midas

peared in the Global Times, an imprint

Gold Idaho. Its Stibnite Mine has a rich

There is no realistic backup plan for a

of the Chinese Communist Party’s long-

deposit of antimony, one of 35 named

sudden major disruption of mineral ex-

published People’s Daily newspaper, cit-

critical minerals, which when produced

ports to the U.S.—akin to what we experi-

ing the use of antimony as a potential

will help reduce America’s antimony im-

enced during the 1970s Arab Oil Embargo.

economic weapon: “China has an abso-

ports from China. Midas Gold Idaho is

It happened again in 2020 when medical

lute advantage against the U.S. in four

also providing the capital, know-how, en-

equipment supply shortages occurred

of seven metals—tungsten, tin, antimony

vironmental planning, and commitment

during the COVID crisis because most

and molybdenum—in terms of supply.”

to clean up the watershed and lands at

countries relied too heavily on China to

This according to a senior research fellow

Stibnite Mine site before, during, and af-

supply these items, then realized the folly

at the Center for U.S.-China Relations at

ter mining.

of their policies. The same over-reliance

Tsinghua University, who also stated that

Midas has already invested millions

dilemma has already happened with criti-

China has been supplying some of these

of dollars in order to turn a brown-field

22 Mine Idaho

Bottom line, Idaho miners, and their extended community of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors of high-end products used by civilian and military consumers, are getting back to work and back in the mining spotlight in ways that help us all.

abandoned mine site into a thriving, pro-

Office of Environmental Management ef-

for critical minerals. It also creates more

ductive, and environmentally healthy op-

fort to remove hazardous waste, relying

funding to help mining projects from start

eration. It has become the new private-

on Fluor Idaho to assist cleaning up an

to finish.

sector face of how mining and restoration

890-square-mile site above the Eastern

Bottom line, Idaho miners, and their

can and will be done in the 21st century—

Snake Plain Aquifer, and near a former

extended community of suppliers, manu-

while providing a real economic boost to

test facility that includes the Idaho Na-

facturers, and distributors of high-end

the people of Valley County, Idaho.

tional Laboratory.

products used by civilian and military

Congressman

Finally, President Donald J. Trump’s Ex-

consumers, are getting back to work and

Representative Mike Simpson was the

ecutive Order of September 30, 2020, to

back in the mining spotlight in ways that

lead Republican sponsor of The Great

secure America’s critical mineral supply

help us all.

American Outdoors Act, now law, which

chains, included a declaration of a Na-

About

will fund cleanup and land stewardship

tional Emergency to expand the domestic

Geologist Dr. Ned Mamula and Silicon

at the state and local level as well as on

mining industry, support mining jobs, alle-

Valley author Ann Bridges recently co-au-

federal lands for years to come. Not to be

viate unnecessary permitting delays, and

thored Groundbreaking! America’s New

overlooked is the Department of Energy

reduce our Nation’s dependence on China

Quest for Mineral Independence. s

addition,

Idaho’s

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Regulatory Watch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Regulations You Need to Know

By Todd Glindeman, Brown and Caldwell

ver recent years, the state of Idaho and several federal agencies have been actively revising long-standing environmental laws. Many of these changes will result in new paradigms for environmental planning and permitting, including several that will affect Idaho mining companies, their programs, and projects. The Idaho Mining Association (IMA), led by Executive Director Ben Davenport, has been actively engaged in representing the mining industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests as an active stakeholder. This article spotlights several proposed or finalized changes to state regulations and federal laws that will affect the Idaho mining community.

Idaho Regulations

Governor Brad Little signing House Bill 141 with mining industry partners in attendance on March 26, 2019.

24 Mine Idaho

Ore Processing by Cyanidation Negotiated Rulemaking In 2019, the IMA requested that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) revise the Rules for Ore Processing by Cyanidation from prescriptive design and construction requirements to performance-based outcomes for design, construction, and closure. As a result, DEQ initiated rulemaking negotiations to evaluate such changes and determine if the rules should be revised. This rulemaking was initiated to achieve necessary regulatory goals of protecting human health and the environment. As a result, the proposed rule includes revisions to account for current best available technologies or best practices for design, construction and closure of cyanidation facilities and addresses the following: â&#x20AC;˘U pdate of the DEQ process for cyanidation permit application and administration, including recovery of costs incurred

Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program Negotiated Rulemaking The state of Idaho is nearing the end of a four-year phased delegation of permitting authority from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With this delegation, Idaho will join 46 other states that are responsible for their own National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, rather

than having permits issued and enforced by EPA. In Idaho, NPDES permits are required for discharges to Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and may not be more stringent or broader in scope than the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations (Idaho Statute 39-175B). Requirements under permits issued by the state remain essentially the same as those issued by EPA, but the state has flexibility in how it administers the various programs. To assist regulated entities in obtaining and complying with permits, DEQ has been developing and seeking public input on guidance since 2018. The guidance documents provide information on each of the sectors addressed by its permits: • Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) • Industrial (Non-POTW) Facilities • General Permits Excluding Stormwater • Stormwater General Permits DEQ now has full authority to issue individual permits for mining discharges and

will begin administering the general permit for industrial stormwater discharges in summer 2021. Arsenic Water Quality Negotiated Rulemaking DEQ initiated rulemaking to update its human health criteria for arsenic and thus prevent EPA from promulgating and imposing new criteria for Idaho. The impetus for the update was EPA’s disapproval of the current criteria of 10 micrograms per liter (μg/L), which has been in place since 2010 (and was previously approved by EPA). Deriving defensible human health criteria can be complex, and at various times between 1992 and the present, Idaho has had arsenic criteria ranging from 0.018 to 50 μg/L. In addition, many areas of Idaho have elevated levels of arsenic that occur naturally in the geology, which makes the promulgation of reasonable and enforceable arsenic criteria difficult. At the time of this publication, rulemaking is still underway.

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by DEQ in processing permit applications and administering issued permits • Applicability of the design criteria to different types of cyanidation facilities (e.g., tailings storage facility) and allowance of broader range of acceptable construction materials • Broader interpretation of performance and compliance standards regarding constructability of leak detection systems • Variability in design approach based on the physical and chemical character of impounded materials and process water

Idaho Mining Association 25

Mined Land Reclamation Negotiated Rulemaking The IMA was instrumental in getting House Bill 141 passed during the 2019 legislative session, which significantly amended Idaho’s Surface Mining Act. The Idaho Department of Lands has completed rulemaking to incorporate key legislative changes into the rule, which include: • Reconciling changes to cyanide closure plans, prompted by amendments to Idaho Administrative Procedure Act (IDAPA) Chapter 58, Section 01.13 (IDAPA 58.01.13), Rules for Ore Processing by Cyanidation • Using of alternative fee agreements • Incorporating water treatment and post-closure activities in reclamation plans, as needed • Estimating actual cost of reclamation and post-closure activities • Allowing additional types of financial assurance, such as corporate guarantees and trusts • Allowing the use of standardized reclamation cost estimate tools

Federal Regulations Endangered Species Act (ESA) Changes to ESA that are most relevant to the mining industry include, but are not limited to: • Informal consultation limited to 60 days • Formal consultations broadened use of existing documents 26 Mine Idaho

• Threatened listing limited to species that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future based on a reasonable determination that both future threats and species responses are likely • Unoccupied areas can only be included in a critical habitat designation if the occupied geographical areas would be inadequate to ensure conservation of the species, and benefits outweigh the costs, including the costs to permittees to avoid the area National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The White House’s Council on Environmental Quality updated the regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA effective September 14, 2020. Agencies have one year after publication of the final rule to propose and revise procedures to implement the final rule. The changes with probable significance to the mining industry include, but are not limited to: • Opportunity for increased applicant and contractor involvement with independent evaluation by agency • Environmental Impact Studies (EISs) have a 150-page limit (or 300-page limit for complex projects) and a twoyear timeframe from Notice of Intent to Record of Decision • Only alternatives deemed reasonable considering time, cost, technical and

economic feasibility and within the agency’s authority have to be considered • New studies or research will not be required for EISs, and analyses completed by other agencies could be incorpo rated. Clean Water Act – Navigable Waters Protection Rule The CWA applies only to WOTUS. Effective June 22, 2020, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule defines WOTUS as follows: • The territorial seas, and traditional navigable waters that are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide • Tributaries of traditional navigable waters • Lakes and ponds, and impoundments of jurisdictional waters • Adjacent wetlands WOTUS does not include ephemeral features, groundwater, most ditches, stormwater control features or ponds in uplands. Todd Glindeman is the Mining Market Sector Director at Brown and Caldwell. Brown and Caldwell provides compliance and permitting, industrial water and site investigation and remediation support services to the mining industry. s

Small fueling process improvements lead to big production gains

n the last decade, market forces have demanded that the mining industry learn to do more with less. Finding ways to constantly increase productivity while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards can be challenging. Fueling process improvements is an easy way for any operation to boost efficiency quickly without a huge capital expenditure. Established in 2001, FlowTech Fueling has become the leader in fueling process improvement. Their patented non-pressure fueling systems and large-scale mobile fueling depots are specifically designed to provide low-maintenance, high-functioning reliability to meet the challenges of harsh mine and quarry environments. With over 80 years of combined mining experience, FlowTech’s expertise and commitment to customer service is second to none. Installing FlowTech’s non-pressure, overfill prevention fueling systems on your mobile equipment will instantly provide multidimensional savings by: • eliminating fuel spillage; • improving personnel safety; • reducing tank maintenance; and • minimizing environmental impacts. Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and nickel-plated steel, FlowTech Fueling Systems are built to last much longer than similar fueling systems comprised of plastic components. With over 1,400 systems installed on mining/quarry equipment

throughout the United States and Canada, FlowTech Fueling Systems as proven to be the premier system in the marketplace. The system provides the end user with ease of installation, reliable operation and low maintenance, and is backed by FlowTech’s excellent service and commitment to customer satisfaction. FlowTech mobile fueling depots provide customers the efficiency and flexibility of a high-flow, multi-station fueling facility with the added benefit of easily moving it as the mine plan requires. FlowTech fuel depots are extremely customizable with various fuel tank storage capacities and configurations, as well as options for two to 10 heavy equipment refueling stations, a high-flow fuel truck filling station and a light vehicle filling station. Having the ability to refuel 10 haul trucks in 15 minutes and relocate the facility closer to the active mining area, provides an extremely quick return on investment. Fuel is often a mining companies second largest operating expense; however, very little focus is placed on the fueling process. FlowTech works with its customers to develop a customized and comprehensive plan to improve the fueling process from delivery, to bulk storage, to equipment refueling. Fueling process improvement offers mining operations a unique opportunity to easily eliminate fuel waste and maximize fueling efficiency. FlowTech can help you achieve a faster fill without the spill so your operation can do more with less. s Idaho Mining Association 27

New developments at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

lthough the Covid-19 pandemic basically cancelled the visitation season for 2020, the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology (IMMG) has pressed on with new exhibit development. These projects will be available for viewing in 2021 when, hopefully, the Museum will be open on our usual schedule. Each exhibit is unique in the state of Idaho. The first new exhibit, currently installed, describes the formation of the Eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP), and complements the Lake Idaho exhibit that was installed in 2019 and covers the Western Snake River Plain (WSRP). Both the WSRP and ESRP had origins in the massive heat source that is commonly known as the “Yellowstone Hot Spot,” but the regional expressions were different. The WSRP was formed by inflation, stretching and fracturing of the crust to create the downdropped graben in which Lake Idaho formed. The ESRP is a volcanic province

28 Mine Idaho

of age successive massive eruptive centers that developed over about 16 million years as the North American Plate moved southwest over the heat source or “hot spot,” culminating in its current location under the Yellowstone Plateau. The eruptive centers were not single “calderas,” but each had many huge eruptions over millions of years. The volumes of material ejected by the eruptive centers defy belief and make other known explosive “megavolcanoes” pale by comparison. The exhibit has a large wall map of the ESRP eruptive centers and a touch screen gives data about the estimated age and size of each. Also included in the screen is information about the competing theories of “hot spot” formation, generally described as “mantle plume” versus “tectonic plate” mechanisms for its origin, and a description of current evidence of what lies deep below Yellowstone National Park. A second new exhibit, still under development, is about Chinese miners in

Idaho, focusing primarily on the Boise Basin region. The exhibit was initiated by Dr. Pei-Lin Yu of the Boise State Archeology Department and is being assembled by a master’s student at the University of Denver in collaboration with the Boise and Payette National Forest archeologists and the University of Idaho Asian American Comparative Collection (AACC). The exhibit will feature artifacts from Chinese mining activities in the national forests and from the AACC, and a touch screen providing historic photographs and information about how Chinese miners expressed and maintained their culture in a foreign and often hostile land. We hope to complete the installation of the exhibit this fall and have a ceremonial “ribbon cutting” next June that will involve the Chinese communities of Boise and Idaho City. IMMG is proud to have the only museum exhibit in the state dedicated to Chinese miners. s

Mining and Milking:

Two Idaho industries working together during a time of need By Ysabel Bilbao, Bilbao & Co.

hen Idahoans woke up on March 15, we didn’t know our world as we had known it would change that day. The state of Idaho joined many other states around the nation and countries around the world in a shutdown. COVID-19 immediately took a dramatic toll on many families, communities, businesses and industries – one in particular was the dairy industry in Idaho. Reporters flooded the airwaves on local news stations that milk was being disposed of because of the abundance of product and live use. That’s when three local mining and exploration companies came together to figure out how mining could help its fellow local industry. Instead of disposing of the raw milk, Integra Resources, Midas Gold and Itafos Conda wanted to figure out a way to use the milk, support communities and put food on the tables of Idahoans who were in desperate need. “We had been delivering groceries to vulnerable people for weeks, so we jumped at the chance to take that giving to the next level with this program,” said Tom Jordan, project operations manager at Integra Resources. Midas Gold Idaho out of Donnelly, Integra Resources out of Owyhee County and Itafos Conda in Soda Springs joined the Curds + Kindness program, an initiative started by Dairy West and its members in Idaho and Utah. That program directed nearly 200,000 gallons of milk that would have otherwise been disposed of due to lack of demand to dairy processing plants every week. Those plants converted the milk into dairy products, which were then distributed to families at food banks around Idaho and Utah. “From our initial conversation with Dairy West, we knew that we wanted to be a

part of this program. Food insecurity is a major struggle for many families, and we are thrilled to support both our Idaho food banks and the hard-working families of the dairy industry,” said Laurel Sayer, president and CEO of Midas Gold Idaho. “This pandemic has hit a lot of families in Idaho and we have seen how tough it has been on the Idaho dairy industry. Our business is founded on supporting farmers and we don’t believe that stops in the fields, but in our milking sheds and ranches too,” said Tim Vedder, VP operations and general manager at Itafos Conda. Through the program, the mining companies worked together to support local dairy farmers and producers in turning that milk into butter and cheese to give to food banks near the mines. “Agriculture drives our state’s economy, and this is a great program to help ensure money from Idaho stays in Idaho,” said Vedder. “Curds + Kindness highlighted the fact that Idaho industry and kindness do go hand-in-hand,” said Sayer. There were five different Mining and Milking distribution locations in Cascade, Marsing, Montpelier, and two in Soda Springs. More food was put into the weekly baskets and items like cheese, which isn’t distributed, became a part of the community food baskets. “It’s a miracle. It’s a blessing,” said Barbara Garrett while picking up her food in Marsing. “We don’t have to worry about going hungry. I’m just so thankful.” “This was a great initiative for two local industries to pull together and help Idahoans. This is the Idaho way and were happy to find a quick solution that benefitted not only the communities where our mines are located but all throughout the state,” said Jordan. s Idaho Mining Association 29

Mining for helpful provisions in the new NEPA regulations1 By Kaycee May Royer, Perkins Coie LLP2

he National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was enacted over 50 years ago. And for the first time in over 40

plying in their NEPA processes. The revi-

years, the Council on Environmental Qual-

ity of NEPA procedures. With the revised

ity (CEQ) issued a major revision to the

regulations now requiring agencies to

NEPA implementing regulations, effective

implement provisions that formerly may

September 14, 20203. The updated regula-

have been considered guidance, together

tions provide important changes to mod-

with other reforms contained in the new

ernize and improve what many consider

rules, regulated parties could see a mean-

a severely outdated and unnecessarily

ingful shift in the way that the NEPA pro-

complex environmental analysis process

cess functions. This article will touch on

for federal agency actions, hopefully less-

some of the most notable changes to the

ening the burden on those who wish to

NEPA regulations, along with some sug-

complete projects on federal lands or re-

gestions for project proponents to follow

quiring federal permits or funding.

as we move forward into what could be a

sions also contain changes that go beyond current practices to clarify, refine and increase the efficiency and workabil-

These new NEPA regulations, to a large

new era for NEPA and related regulatory

extent, codify provisions in many guide-

processes. It will also address the legal

lines, executive orders and practices that

challenges and political uncertainty sur-

many federal agencies were already ap-

rounding the new rules going forward.

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Kaycee May Royer.

Time and Page Limits4 Historically, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analysis required an average of 4.5 years and many mining projects took considerably longer, despite CEQ guidance suggesting that the timelines for an EIS should be closer to a two-year mark5. The new regulations now require agencies to take proposed projects through an EIS analysis within a two-year timeline. New time limitations were also put into place for Environmental Assessments (EA)—a one-year limitation. Naturally, these are presumptive time limits with allowances for exceptions for complex projects. However, project proponents should see and can advocate for a considerable increase in the speed at which their projects proceed through the EIS or EA process. There has been some debate and concern regarding whether agencies, consultants and even mining project applicants will avoid the new time limitations by “frontloading” certain parts of the NEPA analysis before a project is officially noticed to the public. While this is something to be alert about, it seems that the CEQ has discouraged agencies from this type of “gaming” of the process. The new rule explicitly states that the timeline for producing EISs and EAs begins when the agency either decides to prepare an EA or issues a notice of intent to prepare an EIS. And in response to questions raised before the final rule was issued, the CEQ produced an info graph indicating that the timeline should include any “prescoping” activities within these time limitations6. Project proponents should be

aware of these new time limitations and work with the agencies to ensure that they can be met while producing quality environmental analyses. To succeed, proponents and their consultants will need to do their part to collect and assemble needed baseline information and otherwise put together a complete and organized project proposal and application package prior to commencing the formal NEPA process, without that being considered “frontloading.” Another notable feature in the rules is the new page limitation on EISs and EAs. EISs are now generally limited to 300 pages while EAs are capped at 75 pages. This helps ensure that the documents are readily accessible, readable and otherwise useful for the public. However, these limits are exclusive of appendices, which may incorporate more technical documents, such as hydrologic, geophysical and endangered species analyses. These limits should not preclude agencies and project proponents from providing adequate, reasonably detailed analysis of alternatives and their environmental effects, with supporting technical and other information. Effects Analysis7 The new regulations make changes to the definitions of “effects.” The old definition separately identified and required agencies to analyze the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts associated with a project. The new rules have eliminated the specific identification of these categories of effects, and instead require agencies to consider reasonably foreseeable effects or impacts that have close causal relationship to the proposed action. This would also include any such effects that would occur later in time or occur some distance from the proposed action. Going forward, this means project proponents should continue to keep a keen eye on those effects, which can be reasonably predicted and that are materially related to the project. Effects or issues identified as significant during the informal or formal scoping process for a project EA or EIS will remain important con-

siderations. Ultimately, this analysis may not differ much from the effects analysis that was conducted under the prior regulations, but the revised definition should assist in maintaining focus on evaluating effects. This may continue to include accounting for potential greenhouse gas or other climate change effects when there are indications that it would be feasible and appropriate to address them for project-related issues. Reasonable Alternatives8 The new regulations have added a definition for “reasonable alternatives.” This new definition clarifies longstanding practices that agencies should only be considering technically and economically feasible alternatives that meet the purpose and need of the project, with additional emphasis on the objectives of the proponent. This likely gives project proponents at least some added say over what is considered a “reasonable alternative” on the basis that the alternative must ultimately meet the applicant goals. Agency Procedures and Categorical Exclusions In addition to these new CEQ regulations, agencies have been instructed to develop their own complementary procedures by September 14, 2021. This includes identifying or creating new cat-

egorical exclusions in their NEPA procedures for projects that through experience or otherwise are identified as having only insignificant environmental impacts. The new CEQ regulations allow agencies to adopt other agency’s categorical exclusions and encourage agencies to use and consider mitigating factors whenever extraordinary circumstances are present that could potentially bump a project from being categorically excluded from an EA or EIS process. Mining companies and trade associations have an opportunity to continue to engage and communicate with the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other agencies as the agencies work to update their NEPA regulations through rulemakings. There is certainly the potential to update and expand categorical exclusions for exploration and other operations related to mining. Role of Applicants9 In one of the most notable changes in the new rules, applicants have now been given the opportunity directly or with their own consultants take the lead in preparing EISs. Agencies will still remain responsible for independently reviewing the accuracy of any applicant prepared EIS, but this new rule will likely allow project proponents to be more involved

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in the preparation of EISs and be more cost-effective for the agencies as well as proponents. Under the prior CEQ regulations, applicants were allowed to prepare EAs for review and ultimate finalization by the regulating agency, but the agency or an independent third-party contractor (typically still paid for by the project proponent) were required to prepare an EIS. Role of Interested Parties10 Tribes have been given increased opportunities for a greater role in the new NEPA regulations as a recognized governmental authority. This will, among other things, confirm their opportunity to comment and participate as any local government, like a city or county, would. Additionally, the new regulations codify general practices related to public comments. Any issues or information that are not identified and submitted within the applicable comment period for a project will be deemed forfeited for purposes of any later legal challenge. The new rules also expressly allow agencies to utilize technology to distribute information and conduct public participation related to the NEPA process—such as making EIS documents available and receiving comments through agency websites.

Things to Watch For Currently, multiple state attorney generals, environmental activist groups and other parties have filed lawsuits challenging the new NEPA regulations. As such, the durability of the new rules remains to be seen. Challengers assert the CEQ failed to take into account the revised regulations’ impact on the environment and otherwise violated NEPA, and failed to adequately follow rulemaking procedures, among other claims. As of the date of this writing, no court has yet enjoined the new regulations. Thus, new projects commencing under the NEPA process after September 14, 2020 are expected to proceed under the new rules. However, while the new regulations codify many existing practices, if they are invalidated through pending court action, any procedures that are not provided for or allowed under the 1978 regulations could invalidate or delay approval of a project that relies upon them. Therefore, project proponents should be cautious as they move forward with projects being analyzed under the new regulations, and look for ways to be consistent with both the prior and the newly revised rules. Assuming that the recent national election results are finalized with a change to a new Democrat President, the new Admin-

This article is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual client of the firm. 2 Thank you to Robert Maynard, Perkins Coie LLP, for his assistance and guidance in completing this article. 3 85 Fed. Reg. 43304-43376 (July 16, 2020) (to be codified at 40 C.F.R. §§ 1500-1508). Subsequent citations herein will be to the anticipated C.F.R. section for clarity. 4 40 C.F.R. §§ 1501.5, 1501.10, 1502.7, 1501.9. 6 CEQ, Fact Sheet: Modernizing CEQ’s NEPA Regulations, https:// www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200716 FinalNEPA-Fact-Sheet.pdf (last visited Nov. 9, 2020). 1

32 Mine Idaho

istration will have the opportunity to review and engage in an effort to withdraw or further change the new CEQ regulations. However, a new Administration will need to follow rulemaking procedures to effectively do so, including further public comment opportunities. Another risk for the new regulations is the Congressional Review Act. The Congressional Review Act requires agencies to submit all major rules to Congress and allows Congress to invalidate those rules within 60 legislative days if it disapproves of such a rule. However, if the Republican Party continues to hold its majority in the Senate as a result of the 2020 election, it should have the ability to prevent the use of the Congressional Review Act to repeal the new NEPA regulations11. Conclusion The newly revised CEQ NEPA regulations offer positive opportunities for miners who want to complete projects on federal land or requiring a federal permit. The new rules, if they endure, should help expedite and modernize the NEPA process. Going forward, project proponents should strive to actively engage and communicate with permitting agencies as they begin processing new projects under these rules and developing agency specific NEPA procedures. s

CEQ, Final Rule: Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 12, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2020/01/20200819-FINAL-Summary-of-NEPA-Rule. pdf (August 2020). 7 40 C.F.R. §§ 1508.1(g). 8 40 C.F.R. § 1508.1(z). 9 40 C.F.R. 1506.5. 10 40 C.F.R. § 1500.3. 11 At date of this writing it is still unclear whether the Republicans will hold a majority in the Senate, as it appears runoff-elections will need to be held in January 2021 for at least two seats. 6

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Modern mining and politics By Martin Bilbao, Partner at Bilbao & Co.

Martin Bilbao.

o paraphrase the old quote, the sins of the father fall on the son, would be an understatement in the mining sphere. Today, all around the globe, mining operations are looking at new and advanced tehniques to develop the natural resources our pockets of the world hold beneath their surfaces. Before the dirt is turned, modern mining companies are tasked with fixing brownfield sites and cleaning up what our history has left behind. And while that effort can be seen through the good work of the all who make up a mining company – it is through the marble hallways of our own statehouse, some of that determination continues. Many mining companies, including those right here in the mining supportive state of Idaho, are using a new tool, that doesn’t come from a core shed. Government affairs teams, more commonly

34 Mine Idaho

known as lobbyists, are becoming a part of the practice in helping navigate between the permitting process and regulations. Lobbyist is an uncommon and often misunderstood term for advocates. Representing a particular side of an issue, while often seen in a negative light, a good lobbyist provides lawmakers with information filled with facts and evidence to support the operation – and for many mines in Idaho, they have become the gateway to ensure a story is told and inaccuracies are disputed. Lobby teams around Idaho work hard for the mines and mining projects they represent. Their role encompasses everything from ensuring legislative presentations are given in the right committees to information on a project being updated and shared, attending agency meetings and facilitating on-site tours – it is our job to help clients in building and strength-

ening relationships with policymakers in both local and state offices, and provide the supporting arguments for the vital role mines are playing in rural Idaho communities. If you are reading this publication, you are probably aware of the cumbersome process is takes to permit and open a mine, even in a mine-friendly state like this one. It is long and often unpredictable, but building a positive community profile and strong relationships with elected officials and government entities can often minimize delays in that process and a skilled lobbyist is able to utilize the right tools to do that. Gathering supportive letters from legislators and constitutional officers during a comment period can help spur fair and favorable decisions. A Legislative Joint Memorial supporting a company or project does not only show, but builds bi-partisan support. Linking industry best practices with state policies can help dayto-day efficiencies and working with agencies and regulators to implement laws and rules will allow for continued mining and help mitigate and manage regulatory issues. These are just some of the tools and benefits of having a governmental affairs team working with you. Idaho lawmakers and agency officials have worked hard over the recent two years to cut red tape and ensure we are the least regulated state in the Union, but more work can be done when it comes to natural resources and mining. By working in tandem, Idaho’s mining companies and government affairs teams will be able to make significant and positive impacts on our future in this state. s

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Excellon Resources: New to Idaho, not new to mining By Brendan Cahill, Excellon Resources President and CEO

Kilgore.

Miguel Auza.

36 Mine Idaho

Brendan Cahill.

ith operations all over the world in mining supportive jurisdictions rich with gold and silver, purchasing the Kilgore Project, north of Dubois, was a natural fit for our team at Excellon Resources. For decades, Excellon Resources has been creating success by realizing strategic opportunities through discipline and innovation around the world. We know that without attention to the environment and the health and welfare of local communities, long-term sustainability is simply impossible. When we were exploring the opportunity of expanding, it was the Idaho way that captured our attention, a commitment to the community we now enjoy, but also our employees and our stakeholders and Idaho’s abundant of natural resources. While we may be the new kids on the block in Idaho, we have been mining for more than three decades. We were founded in 1989 and started business with placer mining in the Yukon territories of Canada, but not long after we quickly began to grow. By the mid-1990s, Peter Megaw, now a world-famous geologist, was wandering through the town of Bermejillo in Durango, Mexico when he noticed that every other storefront had gypsum crystals for sale. Knowing there had to be something special nearby, he staked local mineral concessions and by 1999, our Platosa deposit was discovered. We saw its first full year of production a decade later and, with the rising silver prices, Platosa began to generate excellent returns. We faced many technical and social challenges subsequently, but over time developed a team that overcame them and transformed the Platosa mine and turned Excellon into a platform for exploration and development. We resumed our growth trajectory in 2018 with the creation of the Evolución Project, a 45,000-hectare project in Zacatecas, Mexico where we recently released a large silver equivalent resource, right beside our operating processing plant. We have also grown throughout the world. It was just over one year ago that we acquired the Silver City Project near the mining friendly community of Saxony, Germany. Meanwhile, this September, we were listed on one of the world’s leading exchanges: the NYSE American, where we joined our peer group of silver producers. We realized in early 2019, that a major precious metals bull market was taking shape and that gold projects would become highly sought after and critical as the market matured and as the global monetary system came under increasing pressure. Our team spent a great deal of time reviewing projects and companies throughout the western

Silver City. Platosa.

United States, ultimately leading us to Kilgore Project in Clark County, Idaho with almost one million ounces of gold defined to date. The crisis and rampant government spending over the past months have soundly confirmed our thesis on gold’s importance for the future. Idaho’s gold has an important role to play in that future, and the Kilgore Project has tremendous room to grow into a world-class gold development asset with further exploration. In addition to Kilgore, we acquired the Oakley Project in Cassia County, with around 150,000 ounces of gold, 50 miles west of Liberty Gold’s Black Pine Project. Oakley is currently under option to Centerra Gold, a global mid-tier gold mining company, that has committed to spending up to $7 million on the project over the next six years to earn in to up to 70-percent ownership. Oakley is a small project at this stage, but has tremendous room to grow, and we’re excited to start drilling there in the near term. We have overcome many obstacles since our founding in 1989, none of which would have been possible without the world-class team that we have developed, which has the experience and capability to grow and expand our mining projects. We are in the early days at Kilgore and Oakley, but we intend to join our peers in this thriving mining state by being one of the best-in-class explorers,

Excellon is focused on growing gold resources, with our Kilgore and Oakley projects already representing over one million ounces in the ground. At a time when gold is resuming it’s role as key to the monetary system, we aim to find much more in Idaho.

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developers and, ultimately, producers. s Idaho Mining Association 37

Going for gold By Cindy Chan

evival Gold has plenty to celebrate in 2020, according to Hugh Agro, president and CEO of the company. Revival Gold is drilling 10,000 meters this year and rounding the corner on a preliminary economic assessment. Agro, a mining engineer by trade, has been in the gold business for 30 years, retiring in 2009 – but not for too long. For several years, he was enjoying being out in the vineyard and cycling. However, in late 2016, Agro and a couple of other individuals got together to create Revival Gold. “We saw an opportunity in the gold industry; there is a growing gap between the pace of global gold production and the pace of discovery,” Agro says. “We were looking for a place that had undiscovered potential and good geography – and we found that in Idaho.” Early on, Agro partnered with Wayne Hubert, a former executive with Meridian Gold and finance director for the Beartrack Mine, and Don Birak, an internationally experienced explorationist and resident of Idaho. In 2017, Revival Gold assembled and financed the Beartrack Arnett Gold Project, backed by Orion Mine Finance. “We call the project Beartrack Arnett, and there are two parts to it,” Agro says. The Arnett portion is on the western side of the property, while the Beartrack portion is on the eastern side of the property. Agro says most of the three million ounces of resource of gold hosted at Beartrack Arnett are located on the Beartrack side of the project. Revival Gold’s goal is to bring Beartrack Arnett back into production as it was once Idaho’s largest gold producer when it operated in the 1990s. The mine was shut down in the early 2000s when gold was below $300 an ounce. “We’re drilling about 33,000 feet this year with half the drilling dedicated to expanding and improving the equality of resources at Arnett,” Agro says. “The other half is dedicated towards expanding the scope of the deposit at Beartrack in three different areas.” This year, Revival Gold drilled in four different areas, starting at the Arnett side of the property, drilling 30 holes there and releasing seven of those holes for a total of 5,000 metres. According to a news release issued on Oct. 15, 2020, Revival Gold intersected shallow oxide gold mineralization in all seven of the first explora-

38 Mine Idaho

tion drill holes drilled in the Haidee target area at Arnett. Results indicate the “structures that hold mineralization are continuous along strike and have extended known mineralization beyond the current resource approximately 100 meters to the northwest and 50 meters to the southeast.” “Now we’re drilling on the Beartrack side of the property in three different locations to build on the scope of resource there,” Agro explains. Revival Gold has completed three drill seasons to date on the Beartrack Arnett Project, and is currently in the middle of its fourth drill season. “We started the project in 2017 with no resource. In 2018, after the first drill season, we put out a maiden resource of two million ounces of gold. Earlier this year, after an additional two drill seasons, we released an update to the resource, bringing it to now three million ounces of gold,” Agro says. “In the long term, we think there is potential at Beartrack Arnett for better than five million ounces in the system. It’s a very large gold system.” There are 12 kilometers of favorable structure across the 13,000acre land position, and in the three and a half drilling seasons so

far, Revival Gold has hit gold in every drill hole except for one. “We think there is a lot of potential to expand the existing deposit, which currently sits on 5.6 kilometers of strike,” Agro adds. In addition to drilling, Revival Gold is in the final stages of completing a preliminary economic assessment on a first phase of heap leach gold production at Beartrack Arnett. The PEA is slated for completion by year-end and will shed light on what is expected to be a low-capital cost restart of gold production from the mine. While Agro prides himself on Revival Gold’s ambition, he also stresses the importance of responsible exploration in his company culture. “We work in collaboration with the Idaho Mining Association, state and federal agencies and our peer companies in the state to ensure that we follow best practices for safety and environmental management,” Agro says. “We take our responsibilities seriously and have high standards of performance in the field with our work programs. The health and safety of our people, the environment and the communities in which we live and work are priority No. 1.” For more information, visit revival-gold.com. s

Idaho Mining Association 39

The show must go on

Connecting mining and communities in the time of COVID-19

By Tim Arnold, Chief Operating Officer, Integra Resources

t’s a very busy and critical time for those of us with Integra Resources. Our company has begun trading on the U.S. Stock Exchange, exploration is moving at a smooth but rapid pace and the drilling is proving to be highly productive. Yet, despite the rural and isolated location of the DeLamar Project, tucked away in the Owyhee Mountains of southwest Idaho, challenges of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic has forced us to adapt creatively, as the show must go on. As we watched COVID-19 spread throughout the world, we knew we wouldn’t be immune, and we had to act fast to ensure we could keep operating as a company, and protect our most valuable asset: our employees. With safety at the forefront of all that we do, our approach of how things were done in the past was quickly adjusted. We started by putting enhanced operational procedures in place designed to

protect the health of our staff and contractors. Only then did we resume exploration drilling and other essential activities. The work we had planned for early spring was pushed to May, one of many changes that caused us to adapt quickly. Where we were paralyzed the most was the tours we had scheduled with local residents, elected officials and other important stakeholders. Transparency and the open-door policy we embrace had to quickly be re-visited, as maintaining a healthy and functioning workforce became the prime objective. A packed summer of meetings and discussions were quickly erased from calendars with no potential for rescheduling in person. As those of us in the industry know, public support and community input are critical in building a mine. Our team sprang into action, calling on our connections and channeling our creative side. We scheduled virtual chats

and phone conversations, and agreed to meetings held in city parks with social distancing measures applied. And what used to be giveaways of branded T-shirts and meshed back hats quickly turned into the highly coveted branded hand sanitizer. We paused during the initial parts of the pandemic, but we couldn’t rest on our reputation alone to keep us moving forward. It was the willingness of each group we met with, to hear our story and plans via a small computer screen that allowed our work to continue. We changed directions quickly, we grew our small speaking groups and took every opportunity given to talk about our project and listen to important feedback. This “new normal” is not how we hope the world stays, yet we aren’t sure we see an end in sight soon. In the meantime, despite a mountain of challenges, we have proven our dedication to advancing the

With safety at the forefront of all that we do, our approach of how things were done in the past was quickly adjusted. 40 Mine Idaho

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Idaho Mining Association 41

Upper Blackfoot Confluence celebrates 10 years of progress

Upper Blackfoot Confluence field trip in August 2019.

Unique partnership works together to restore Yellowstone cutthroat trout

en years ago, three mining companies and two conservation groups decided to look beyond their divergent interests and to work together to enhance and restore the upper reaches of the Blackfoot River in southeast Idaho. After years of hard work, they are starting to see the signs of success as the count of spawning cutthroat hits numbers not seen in years. The high valleys and forested ridges of the Upper Blackfoot River are prized by Idahoans for their beauty and blue ribbon fishery. The area is also an essential source of ore for the southeast Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phosphate mining industry. A decade ago, the area was also at the center of a battle between conservation

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game counts Yellowstone cutthroat trout at its weir upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir, May 2020. Will Whelan photo.

42 Mine Idaho

Alan Prouty of J.R. Simplot Company and Justin Hayes of the Idaho Conservation League discuss the origins and accomplishments of the Upper Blackfoot Confluence. Will Whelan photo.

and mining interests that was playing out in the press and courts. Old mines were under cleanup orders, and new mines were proposed. Native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, a sensitive species, were in decline in the Blackfoot, once a stronghold for the fish. The Upper Blackfoot Confluence (UBC) was born when the contending parties’ recognized that few on-the-ground restoration projects were improving the Blackfoot’s water quality and fish habitat, even as regulatory processes and conflict were consuming financial resources. The mining and conservation leaders decided to break out of their cycle of conflict and develop a simple yet effective model for collaboration. The mining companies – J.R. Simplot Company, Bayer, and Nutrien – would commit to provide restoration funding every year, and the conservation groups – Trout Unlimited and Idaho Conservation League – would develop restoration projects and advise on priorities. They would monitor the results together. The collaborative effort that took shape is wholly voluntary, trust-based, and not linked to any permit or regulatory process. Disagreements over mining proposals are allowed and do occasionally arise. But any disputes now occur in the context of established, positive relationships and a history of working together for a common purpose. After Trout Unlimited completed a science-based watershed assessment in 2011, UBC set to work implementing complex array of projects to restore Yel-

lowstone cutthroat trout. They upgraded irrigation diversions, fixed road crossings, restored stream channels and banks, planted riparian vegetation, changed grazing patterns in cooperation with livestock producers, and created the kind of complex, connected stream habitat that the trout need to thrive. Over the last decade, the mining companies provided more than $1.79 million for habitat projects. Perhaps the group’s greatest impact has actually been to draw a broad range of other partners and funding sources to support the work. That investment has been matched with another $2.19 million in grants from state, federal and private sources. All that effort by no means guarantees success where it counts, in the river. Rebuilding fish populations is notoriously difficult, especially in large watersheds such as the Upper Blackfoot where agriculture, mining, roads, drought and white pelican predation all influence the productivity of the trout population. The last two years have brought signs that the hard work is paying dividends. In 2019, the number of spawning cutthroat trout more than doubled in Sheep Creek, a key spawning tributary where UBC had helped fund a stream restoration project. And, in 2020, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game counted more than 1,300 mature trout trapped at a weir upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir, marking the second highest total since 2001. The count had dipped to under 20 fish in the drought years of 2005 and 2006.

Restoration work at the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area, August 2020. Will Whelan photo.

UBC members are happy with the emerging pattern. “The 2020 spawning run is great news for anglers. It is also a big boost for the landowners, companies, agencies and citizen groups who have worked for years to improve fish habitat in the Upper Blackfoot,” said Warren Colyer of Trout Unlimited. Roger Gibson, who represents Bayer US on the UBC, recognized the central role of UBC’s many partners: “Our progress in restoring the Upper Blackfoot is thanks to the dedication of landowners, agencies and conservation organizations. We are grateful for their hard work to ensure that the Upper Blackfoot will be a place where cutthroat trout thrive and where people can work and recreate for generations to come.” s

Dan Keetch of Bear Lake Grazing Co. discusses their cooperative work with UBC and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Will Whelan photo.

Idaho Mining Association 43

Corral Creek - J. Davis.

Itafos Conda: Continuing the 100-Year legacy of Idaho phosphate mining By Jon Goode, Manager, Special Projects, Itafos Conda

or generations, families have relied on the flourishing phosphate patches of southeast Idaho to provide their way of life. Today women and men of miners’ past have continued to carry on the legacy, keeping with tradition while adapting to new and modern ways. For 100 years, phosphate mining has allowed Idahoans the ability to live, work and raise their families in one of our state’s most beautiful countries, all while responsibly providing a critical resource to the world. The next chapter in this story starts with Itafos Conda’s Husky 1/North Dry Ridge Project, which will only add to the tradition, success and prosperity of Idaho phosphate mining. The storied history of phosphate mining in Idaho begins even more than a century ago. It was in 1903 that C.C. Jones found high-grade phosphate in the southeast part of the state. This drew the southern California Orange Grove Fertilizer Company to Idaho, where it acquired a group of 23 association placer claims for 44 Mine Idaho

phosphate mining just outside of Soda Springs. But they never actually mined those claims. That didn’t happen until 1920, when the Anaconda Copper Mining Company finished its purchase of all 23 claims. Anaconda was facing problems with the large excess of sulphuric acid derived from the smelter fumes of their operations in Montana. The production of fertilizer was the logical option to use the excess buildup of acid. On April 1, 1920, Anaconda began underground phosphate mining in Idaho. Anaconda also began construction on a screening and crushing plant, a rail line and a townsite. The town was appropriately named Conda. This was not just the building of infrastructure, but also the building of the community and spirit that Itafos Conda carries on to this day. The phosphate mill at Conda screened, crushed, washed and dried the phosphate rock in preparation for rail shipment to the Anaconda Company’s processing plant in Anaconda, Montana. There, the phosphate was processed and sold as a concentrate

of triple superphosphate fertilizer. As time went on, the plant at Conda grew to keep pace with the advances in the mine and the increasing volume of phosphate ore being removed. In 1952, the transition away from underground mine operations began, and by 1956 had ceased permanently. From that point on, all production came from the surface open-pit mining that we see today. Big changes came in 1959 as another company took over management and operation of the mine. In 1965, after long use, the old mill at Conda was no longer adequate, and was shut down. In 1984, that mine closed. In 1987, the town of Conda was vacated, leaving only a memory of what once was. However, with plenty of reserves available, phosphate mining in Caribou County was far from over. In 1987, the same year the town shut down, Nu-West Industries purchased and reopened the nearby Conda Phosphate Operations, which originally started in the mid-1960s. In 1995, Agrium would acquire Nu-West, and in 2018, Itafos would ac-

quire Agrium’s Conda Phosphate Operations. As Itafos continues the great work and traditions of the highly respected phosphate facility, it takes a significant step in becoming a global phosphate fertilizer company. That next big step is the Husky 1/ North Dry Ridge Project (H1/NDR). The future mine site will allow Itafos to continue its responsible work, re-establishing waterways, using existing facilities and previously impacted areas, implementing stormwater controls, using cap and cover and managing phosphoria formation overburden. H1/NDR will also provide high-paying jobs to 500 people; that’s 15 percent of the entire Caribou County workforce. All told, the Project will allow Itafos to contribute more than $122 million per year to the state economy in wages and benefits and more than $115 million in gross regional product. Itafos honors the past but is looking forward to an exciting future with the H1/NDR Project. One hundred years after the first ore came out of the ground, we all celebrate the long winding journey of phosphate mining in the Gem State. Today, farmers across the globe depend on the fertilizer products from Itafos Conda to feed the world. That’s a responsibility they don’t take lightly and are eager to continue with the Husky 1/North Dry Ridge Project. It’s all part of the 100-year-old legacy of phosphate mining within the Gem State,

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and Itafos is privileged to be a part of it. s Idaho Mining Association 45

J.R. Simplot Company: Surviving and thriving

ike the rest of the world, 2020 was filled with unexpected developments and surprises for the J.R. Simplot Company as it navigated the impacts of COVID-19 on its employees, customers and the communities where it operates. However, that didn’t stop the global food and agriculture company from continuing its efforts to ensure ongoing success in its phosphate fertilizer manufacturing efforts. The year began with Simplot’s acquisition of Pinnacle Agriculture, which expanded Simplot Grower Solution’s footprint to the midwestern and southern United States. The Company now meets the daily needs of farmers throughout North America with more than 200 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada. While working diligently to ensure the health and safety of its employees and partners, the Company also continued efforts to ensure its ongoing presence in phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. The Company is celebrating more than 75 years of working in the phosphate industry and these efforts will help farmers rely on the quality products and services for generations to come. In more recent efforts, the Company also continued to work on opportunities to 46 Mine Idaho

ensure future generations enjoy the same, or better, environmental and recreational opportunities found today. One way it has done this is through a partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In early October, the Company announced that it would open approximately 10,000 acres of the company’s private property in southeast Idaho’s highlands for hunting, fishing and recreation use. This opportunity comes through the property’s enrollment in IDFG’s ACCESS YES! program, administered by IDFG in cooperation with landowners, ACCESS YES! provides guidelines for access, specifying any restrictions on the enrolled private property. The Simplot 10,000-acre enrollment is known as the Aspen Range and comprises five major parcels of property located within two Game Management Units. One large parcel is along the 90 percent Range northwest of Soda Springs, which is within Game Management Unit 72. The remaining properties are located in Game Management Unit 76 east of Soda Springs. These properties are located in Trail Canyon, Slug Creek, Diamond Creek and between Sulphur Canyon and Swan Lake Gulch. Later in the month, Simplot announced a collection of global sustainability targets in four areas aimed at major reductions over a 10-year period. The Company’s

global 4Sight 2030 goals are the latest effort in the global food and agriculture company’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship while planting seeds for the future. Simplot’s 4Sight 2030 goals will: • Reduce energy use 15 percent per ton of product • Reduce freshwater intake 15 percent per ton of product • Achieve zero waste to landfill in our food processing plants, globally • Reduce carbon emissions 20 percent per ton of product through operational reductions and soil carbon sequestration, and invest in climate-smart innovations that will help farmers and ranchers adapt to climate change While Simplot employees have always focused on sustainability at their sites and in communities, this is the first time the Company has cultivated common sustainability goals across its global organization. The combined efforts will align those goals and the collective effort across the Company can have a tremendously positive impact. Even in a year filled with obstacles, Simplot’s vision for the future of its operations in the region, where it provides jobs to more than 600 people and contributes almost $150-million annually to local economies, remained focused. About The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America and China, with products marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.simplot.com. s

Optimizing machine uptime with Health Equipment Insights By Madeline Keckler

oday’s mining business operations are constantly looking for better ways to become more efficient, reduce cost and optimize the equipment on site. The goal is to reduce unplanned failures and achieve the

highest availability. Having the right tools is a critical part of helping any mining operation to be successful. With historical data and visualization on how machines are performing, we can make better operational decisions to improve the long-term health and availability of the equipment. Machine health is a critical aspect of any mining operation. Keeping your machines well-maintained makes them more reliable, prevents machine failure and reduces unplanned downtime. Your machines may have data-collecting hardware already installed, collecting crucial information about the overall health of the equipment. But without an easy way to access and analyze the data, it doesn’t help you. That’s where Cat MineStar Health Equipment Insights come in: cost-effective, easy to use data visualization and reporting tool that empowers you to make informed decisions about your machine maintenance. Health Equipment Insights is simple to activate. Most newer Cat machines come with the necessary hardware already installed, meaning you’re only a few clicks away from data dashboards to show you the information you need for your specific mine site. The software is cloud-based and web-accessible, so your data can be read from any web-enabled device. As new features become available, they are seamlessly integrated into the tool.

Health Equipment Insights comes with several features to provide you with in-depth data on the health of your machines. Productivity, utilization, haul road conditions and even event data for both system and operator-induced events all contribute to a machine’s quality of health. Custom data dashboards help you to see what you can do to improve machine health in the long term. Data dashboards are powered by widgets, which are uniquely designed elements of a graphic user interface displaying information. With about 40 widgets to choose from, you can customize your dashboards to display the data you’re looking for whenever you need it. Whether you’re looking for information about an asset group or a specific machine, Health Equipment Insights can provide you with all of the information you need to anticipate small problems before they become big issues, while also helping you make sure you’re getting the maximum use out of your equipment. Health Equipment Insights is a capability within Cat MineStar Health, part of the Cat MineStar technology suite. Cat MineStar was developed specifically for the mining industry and is one of the many tools Caterpillar is proud to support to keep your mine site running effectively with as little unplanned downtime as possible. Western States and Caterpillar understand the importance of machine health and uptime. We’re here to provide mining operations with tools and support to maximize each machine’s performance. For more information about how Caterpillar products can support you and your operation, contact Western States Cat and visit our website at www.WesternStatesCat.com. s Idaho Mining Association 47

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fill the Millâ&#x20AC;? How effective analytics will drive productivity and reduce costs By Jeff Armstrong, Director of Strategic Industries, Jump Analytics

n an industry that is demanding, competitive and always evolving, mining companies need to maximize their production efficiency. To meet this objective, mine operators need to rely on the unbiased truths of accurate data to support and drive their decisionmaking.

48 Mine Idaho

The advanced applications of technology are allowing the industry to look at ways to drive automation and efficient processes when it comes to data collection, data streaming and data analytics. However, many mining companies face challenges in pulling together data from the various systems used to run their

mine sites. They often spend too much time performing manual data pulls and manual data reconciliations, leading to untimely and inaccurate reporting. This, in turn, can lead to inefficiencies, and worse, safety issues. In order to optimize productivity and mitigate risks, companies must be able

Had their initiative been shared and had their historical numbers been known and used in combination with material movement data, an action plan could have been developed with historical data from the two links in the chain, used for analysis, Fill the Mill would be a success with less chance of unforeseen bottlenecks.

to access clean, accurate data from each area of their operations, consolidate and align views of that data, and present those views in timely, automated, and accurate reports. This adjustment allows companies to be proactive with their data rather than reactive. Let’s look at just one scenario faced by mining companies. Putting analytics to work In the world of mining, safety is priority No. 1. Period. Next on the scale of importance, hitting your operational targets, is what drives the business forward. Setting your targets – yes, that’s the easy part – but knowing with certainty what affects your chances of hitting or exceeding your target can be challenging, given the unlimited variables interrelated to the target at hand. “Fill the Mill”, they say! OK, let’s go! Let us assume the scenario of material movement. You added 10 percent more capacity to the fleet, and they have been 100 percent available for the past two weeks, but there’s barely been an increase in material moved. OK, by looking

at the data for these haul trucks, it seems to show that the effective use of the fleet has gone down. Having this data readily available will allow you to adjust, make the changes necessary, course correct and reach the overall objective of filling the mill. Simply adding to the fleet wasn’t the answer. Improving effective use – bingo! A data analytics solution like Jump Mine Analytics Framework will help bring this information to the forefront. But wait, further upstream, the “Fill the Mill” initiative has stalled. Stockpiles are empty, and the equipment effectiveness is even worse than yours was. Had their initiative been shared and had their historical numbers been known and used in combination with material movement data, an action plan could have been developed with historical data from the two links in the chain, used for analysis, Fill the Mill would be a success with less chance of unforeseen bottlenecks. What every organization needs is a tool that brings this and other data out of their respective hiding places and relates them in a governed, master data environ-

ment, where all can be used and understood at all levels. Jump Mine Analytics Framework provides this level of support. Eliminate the “telephone game”, lost-intranslation numbers that change when passed from one hand to another. The Jump solution offers a design and process to consolidate data from key mine systems into one place, allowing for final month-end adjustments to be melded with daily actuals and for financial forecasts to be used with physicals to fine-tune the economical feasibility in the weekly mine plans. Cumbersome spreadsheets and notepads, which have always been a single point of failure, riddled with user error, are replaced with data entry systems that integrate seamlessly with the framework, removing the risk that roaming spreadsheets pose. Jump Mine Analytics Framework is the launching pad to the advanced analytics and the predictive analytics that make hitting your targets with accuracy the thing of consistency. Let us do the data mining, so you can focus on the mining that matters to you. s

Visit https://jumpanalytics.com/jump-mine-analytics-framework to learn how Jump Analytics can help drive your organization’s productivity.

Idaho Mining Association 49

what’s next for Midas Gold Idaho?

fter 75 days and thousands of letters later, the comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact

Gold Idaho. “Our proposed project is lo-

of gathering baseline data and feedback

cated in a brownfields site. Water qual-

from the community. In the past four

ity is threatened by tailings and waste

years, Midas Gold Idaho has given more

rock that were never properly stored. An

than 900 community presentations and

Statement (DEIS) for Midas Gold Idaho’s

abandoned mine pit is blocking salmon

given 190 public tours of the site. The con-

Stibnite Gold Project officially closed on

from their native spawning grounds and

versations that came out of these events

October 28. This puts the company one

excess amounts of sediment from a failed

helped the company make changes to the

step closer to finally restoring the his-

hydroelectric dam jeopardizes the habitat

proposed Stibnite Gold Project, including

torical Stibnite Mining District in Valley

that can still be reached. We want to help

increasing public access, decreasing traf-

County, Idaho.

solve these problems, which is why, from

fic and limiting the project footprint.

“When we came across the historical Stibnite Mining District, we knew we

the outset, we designed our project so mining and restoration are inseparable.”

Now, that the comment period on the DEIS is complete, Midas Gold Idaho

had a rare opportunity to show people

Midas Gold Idaho submitted its original

is ready to dive into the feedback that

industry and the environment can work

plan to mine gold, silver and antimony to

was collected. The company will have to

together,” said Laurel Sayer, CEO of Midas

the U.S. Forest Service in 2016, after years

review thousands of comments, more

50 Mine Idaho

Based off of feedback submitted early in the comment period, the team at Midas Gold Idaho is already starting to look at ways it can, for example, further lower water temperatures at the site and again reduce the project footprint.

than 8,000 of which were in support of the project, to determine if further refinements can be made to improve the Stibnite Gold Project. Based off of feedback submitted early in the comment period, the team at Midas Gold Idaho is already starting to look at ways it can, for example, further lower water temperatures at the site and again reduce the project footprint. “By listening to Idahoans, we’ve already found ways we can make the Stibnite Gold Project even better,” said Sayer. “As we move forward, public input will continue to play an important role in our project. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts with us over the years.” At this point, the U.S. Forest Service anticipates releasing the Final Environmental Impact Statement in the second quarter of 2021 and a Record of Decision prior to the end of 2021. Before the mine can move forward, Midas Gold must also secure more than 50 permits for various aspects of its operations and set aside all the funds to cover the real costs of reclamation and restoration. These additional checks and balances are in place to make sure the project is done right and protects Idahoans and environment. If the Stibnite Gold Project moves forward, it will provide the U.S. with its only domestically mined supply of antimony, a mineral the federal government has deemed critical for its role in the defense and energy sectors. Midas Gold Idaho would invest a billion dollars to construct the project, create hundreds of direct, well-paying jobs for Idaho families and be a major contributor to tax bases on a local, state and national level. s

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Idaho Mining Association 51

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West Richland brings one-million-gallon water reservoir online

Montana's petroleum industry supports stewardship and the outdoor economy

Alfred State Construction Management students learn critical scheduling techniques

The Grid: Furnished apartments and a rooftop with a view Buffalo City Mission provides hot meals with a side of hope

North Dakota forceD to rethiNk Legacy fuND Due to ecoNomic impact of coroNavirus

Pasco School Division #1 building four new schools to accommodate growth in the region

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IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Aecom................................................................................................................16

J.H. Fletcher Mining Equipment................................................................ 13

Affco...................................................................................................................... 6

J.R. Simplot Company.....................................................................................3

Americas Gold and Silver Corp................................................................. 15

Kiewit Mining Group.................................................................................... IFC

Bilbao & Co.........................................................................................................19

McCallum Rock Drilling................................................................................ 35

Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau....................................................... 35

Midas Gold Inc.............................................................................................OBC

Brewer Exploration Inc................................................................................. 33

Mine Development Associates.................................................................. 51

Brown and Caldwell...................................................................................... 25

Modern Machinery........................................................................................... 6

Bunker Hill Mining Corp...............................................................................45

Northwest Mine Supply............................................................................... 33

Coastline Equipment.......................................................................................8

Olympic Engineered Sales, Inc.................................................................. 15

Cobalt Truck Equipment............................................................................. 35

Purcell Tire..........................................................................................................41

Coeur Products................................................................................................19

Revival Gold Inc................................................................................................14

Excellon Resources Inc................................................................................. 37

RMA Prospectors............................................................................................16

Flowtech Fueling............................................................................................. 17

RockMore International................................................................................41

Gilmour & Company...................................................................................... 23

Ruen Drilling Incorporated........................................................................... 9

Hecla Mining Company..............................................................................IBC

Small Mine Development LLC.................................................................... 31

High Country Fusion.....................................................................................30

SVL Analytical, Inc.............................................................................................7

Holland & Hart.................................................................................................. 15

The Woodshop / Ejay Oil Co. Inc.............................................................. 21

Idaho Power..................................................................................................... 33

Tunnel Radio of America, Inc...................................................................... 21

Integra Resources...........................................................................................41

Western States Equipment Co....................................................................5

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54 Mine Idaho

We’re Hecla Mining Company. More than a third of all the silver produced in the United States today comes from Hecla. The same company that holds the nation’s largest silver reserve and resource. The same company that got its start 129 years ago — right here in North Idaho’s fabled Silver Valley. hecla-mining.com

NYSE:HL hecla-mining.com | 800.432.5291 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho | Winnemucca, Nevada | Vancouver, British Columbia | Val d’Or, Québec

Mining can be part of the solution.

RESTORATION.

REVITALIZATION.

RESPONSIBILITY.

Thank you to the over 8,000 people in our communities and industry that made their voices count for the Stibnite Gold Project.