Federal Register #68766

Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on EIS for Black Pine Gold Project in Idaho

This opportunity involves the Forest Service (Sawtooth National Forest) under the Department of Agriculture initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Black Pine Gold Project in Idaho. - Government Buyer: - Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Sawtooth National Forest) - Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as cooperating agency - OEM/Vendor: - Liberty Gold (USA) Inc. (project proponent and only OEM/vendor mentioned) - Products/Services Requested: - Open pit mining for gold and silver ores - Expansion of four existing open pits - Construction of four new open pits - Cyanidation heap leach facility for ore processing (on BLM lands) - Mine infrastructure and support facilities - Mine offices, access roads, utilities, water supply pipelines, ore stockpiling - Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Project spans National Forest System and BLM-administered lands in Cassia and Oneida Counties, Idaho - Mine life estimated at 17 years, with closure and reclamation phases lasting approximately 25 years - EIS will assess impacts on hydrology, wildlife (including Greater sage grouse), cultural/historic sites, air quality, scenic environment, and grazing allotments - Multiple permits required: cyanidation permit, air quality permit (Idaho Department of Environmental Quality), mine operating and reclamation plan (Idaho Department of Lands) - Public comments are solicited to inform the EIS and decision-making process

Description

The Forest Service (Sawtooth National Forest) plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed Black Pine Gold Project by Liberty Gold (USA) Inc. This project involves open pit mining for gold and silver ores on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands, including construction of mining infrastructure and processing facilities. The EIS will assess potential impacts such as hydrology, wildlife, cultural sites, air quality, and scenic environment. Public comments are solicited during a 30-day period ending May 4, 2026, to inform the analysis and decision-making process.

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