The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has accepted the mine plan of operations (MPO) for Integra Resources' DeLamar and Florida Mountain Project in Idaho, marking a pivotal step in the project's permitting process.
This acceptance signifies that the MPO satisfies the requirements set by the US Code of Federal Regulations Title 43 Subpart 3809.
The BLM's approval allows Integra Resources to proceed with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which will include the publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register.
This publication is a formal declaration of the intention to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, as mandated by the Council on Environmental Quality.
The preliminary MPO, submitted in December 2023, has undergone a thorough initial completeness review.
Integra has dedicated nearly three years to environmental baseline studies, initial engineering design, and the formulation of detailed mining and reclamation plans for the DeLamar project.
The NOI marks the commencement of a scoping process, which will involve engagement with federal, state and local agencies, and the general public.
Following this, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be developed, outlining the potential environmental impacts of the proposed mining activities.
The DeLamar project, a significant gold-silver development venture, is now set to actively progress through the NEPA mine permitting process.
In 2017, Integra acquired this past-producing project from a Kinross unit.
Integra president, director and CEO Jason Kosec said: “The acceptance of the MPO for DeLamar is a testament to both the quality of the team at Integra and the DeLamar project itself.
“Incorporating over three years of environmental baseline studies, initial engineering design, and descriptions of mining and reclamation activities, the acceptance of the MPO represents a major milestone on the path to permitting mining activities at DeLamar.
“The company looks forward to continuing to work with the BLM through the NEPA process and remains committed to responsible mining practices, environmental protection and serving community interests.”
