SCH Number 1996061052

Project Info

Title

Soledad Mountain Project by Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC (Modification of Conditional Use Permit No. 27, Map 196; Modification of Conditional Use Permit No.

Description

This document has been prepared as an Addendum to the previously-certified 1997 Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (SCH No. 1996061052) and subsequent 2010 Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 1996061052) for the Soledad Mountain Project. Golden Queen Mining, LLC (GQM) is proposing to modify three existing Conditional Use Permits (No. 27, Map 196; No. 41, Map 213; No. 22, Map 214) and to amend the existing Reclamation Plan to re-authorize mining and related activities in a similar configuration as originally approved and permitted by the County and the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") in 1997 (the "Modified Project"). GQM currently proposes that the total time for certain mining activities be extended as follows: excavation for approximately 15 years, leaching for the production of gold and silver for 17 years (which overlaps with the 15 years of excavation), and a further 2 years of rinsing and drain down of the heap leach. The production and sale of aggregate and construction materials is expected to continue for up to 40 years. The proposed termination date for the Modified Project is April 10, 2061, subject to production rates and market demand. The Modified Project will continue extractive mining operations across a similar footprint as originally approved in 1997. Total acreage disturbed under the Modified Project includes an additional 258 acres compared to the 1997 Project. Reclamation under the Modified Project will be improved compared to the 1997 Project (which proposed to only reclaim 419 acres of the 930 acres of total disturbance), and will address all disturbed acres. No changes are proposed to existing mining methods, processing systems or facilities, operating hours or traffic volumes.

8 documents in project