EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
APRIL 2026
VOLUME 439
President……………………………………..Ken Alexander….. alxk@ortelco.net ……541-446-3413
Vice-President……………………………..Dan Johnson……………………………………..1-503-510-3281
Director of Governmental Affairs……… Terry Drever Gee……………………… 541-523-6228
Editor…………………………….. Jan Alexander………. alx@ortelco.net ….541-446-3413
Mineral Policy Director………………Jan Alexander………. alx@ortelco.net ….541-446-3413
EOMA MEMBERSHIPS AND BOND PAYMENTS FOR 2026
WERE DUE IN JANUARY
If your mailing label doesn’t indicate 1/1/27 your dues are not paid up. You can send your payment to: EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814. Or you can pay at the meeting. You can also sign up and pay with a credit card on our website: EOMA.US
Please let us know if we have made an error in our bookkeeping. Thank you for your support.
APRIL 3th, 2026 MONTHLY MEETING AT ELK CREEK ENTERPRISES
The EOMA monthly meeting is at the Elk Creek Enterprises building located at 890 Elm Street in Baker City. The Executive Board Meeting starts at 6:00 PM and the General Meeting follows at 6:30 PM. Don’t forget, someone will win a 1 oz. silver medallion at the end of the meeting.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Eastern Oregon Mining Association will be submitting comments on the revised Forest Service mining regulations, Larry Chase and Jan have been working on comments. Hopefully others will get comment letters about our concerns with these regs. Although there are some good changes proposed, such as the bonded operating notice, similar to what BLM regulations authorize, (5-acre notice-level provision), we have a lot of concerns about these revised regulations. These revised regulations are sadly, not really any different when it comes to time-frames to authorize and approve notices and plans. The new regulations have many 60-day time periods for the FS to consider things, many indefinite delays, such as with roads discussions, everything is suspended until talks are through, and no timeframes at all, such as with EAs where no specified length of time to complete an EA is required. The regulations are 150 pages long. It’s a confusing, difficult read, but we have to do our part to fix what is not reasonable.
MINE SAFETY TRAINING MARCH 31-APRIL 3 and SECOND ANNUAL REFRESHER APRIL 29-Trent Hahn
Tuesday March 31st will be annual refresher training plus the start of new miner training. At this time this class is full. We have 8 new miners signed up for the 3 day class and 25 miners signed up for annual refresher, making a total of 33 miners on March 31. Underground will finish up on Friday April 3.
The next surface annual refresher training will be April 29, 2026
Annual refresher is $60
New miner training is $250
New miner with underground is $300
Annual refresher with underground (Tuesday and Friday) is $120
If you wish to sign up for a class, Call Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413.
All classes will be held at 890 Elm St. and begin at 8:00 A.M.
CHANGES TO THE FOREST SERVICE MINING REGULATIONS Larry Chase
In the regulations, under 228.4 there is a list of operations under (2) that do not require submittal of an operating Notice. Everything in that section refers to hand panning or use of non-motorized equipment.
The operations that will need an Operating Notice are those that will be using mechanized equipment, which is a good thing, so miners don’t need to wait 10 years for an Operating Plan just to do a test.
However, there should be an exemption for using small equipment, such as a high banker or dry washer. The regulations seem to be lumping hand fed high bankers, etc. in the same category as backhoe/trommel type operations.
We need to comment that small, hand fed, 12 volt powered equipment is something that doesn’t require any kind of permit (i.e. limited operation).
Say, I stake a claim and go out and fire up my high banker, which is powered by a 12 volt battery and a bilge pump, and I shovel into it by hand. I have my DEQ 600 permit, but other than that, I should not need any kind of special permit from the Forest Service. There should be a change in the regulations, that says if something is fed by hand shoveling, it’s just like running a pan or a sluice box. Miners must reclaim as they explore, but waiting 60 days for authorization for an operating notice, and posting a bond, for an operation where you shovel by hand, should not be necessary.
SUCTION DREDGING UNDER THE PROPOSED 36CFR228 REGULATIONS-Jan Alexander
EOMA has a concern about the new regulations requiring an Operating Notice and a bond for suction dredge mining. Under § 228.4 Requirements for Initiating Operations (3) (vi) lists suction dredge mining as an activity that must take place under an Operating Notice, which requires a reclamation bond.
I was reminded at the EOMA meeting in March by the Forest geologist that these are Federal regulations and not all states are like Oregon, where dredging is strictly controlled by DEQ.
EOMA suggests that this section of the new regulations be changed so that use of suction dredges be listed under “limited operations” (similar to BLM’s casual use) using the BLM’s description under 43CFR4309 where it states (1) if your operation involves the use of a suction dredge, and the State requires an authorization for its use, and BLM and the State have an agreement addressing suction dredging, then you need not submit to BLM a notice or Plan”.
Suction dredge operators are closely managed by the State here in Oregon, with strict instream periods to protect fish. Other than suction dredging, these operators simply camp; their operations should be managed as limited Operations since impacts are similar to any other Forest user.
UPDATE ON NEW DEQ WPCF 600 PROCESS PERMIT-Jan Alexander
DEQ simply stopped processing this permit that was last issued in 2017, and was administratively extended to cover mine operators since that time. Dave Fieldman of DEQ has had his staff working on this revision and assured me several months ago that the permit was scheduled to be out for public comment in February. Now, it appears that DEQ has been directed to work on other permits instead.
Our local miners in Granite were issued a citation and fined because they were shoveling by hand into a very small trommel, but they did not have a 600 permit. This could happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter that you are obeying all conditions of the permit, If you don’t have a 600 permit, DEQ may find you and you will be fined.
IF DEQ CITES YOU, IT USUALLY MEANS SOMEONE HAS FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST YOU-Jan Alexander
This is the way DEQ operates. With our local miners who got a citation, DEQ would not tell them who made the complaint. Even if no resource damage is occurring (hand operation with no discharge), DEQ will cite. Their regulations do not appear to allow them the liberty of dropping the issue. The miner’s only recourse would be to appeal and have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Hiring a lawyer usually would cost more than the fine. It is pretty much planned that way.
WHAT CAN MINERS DO IF DEQ NEVER GETS AROUND TO ISSUIG A NEW 600 PERMIT? -Jan Alexander
I sent an e-mail message to DEQ staff Jim Billings and Beth Moore and asked them if DEQ would be willing to facilitate special WPCF 600 permits under the emergency regulations at OAR 340-045-0061, Special WPCF Permit (Short-Term).
As both Beth and Jim know, there are many miners who have been waiting for the new WPCF 600 permit, and now it appears DEQ has stopped this process.
To EOMA and the miners’ way of thinking, this lack of a permit, which if you don’t have, can get you cited and fined, has resulted in an emergency situation. Our miners in Granite, working on private land, got cited and fined for not having a permit they couldn’t get. How many more will there be?
I asked Beth and Jim if the new 600 permit would be available for this season? If not, can miners apply for the emergency permit? It is only good for 60 days, but that is 60 days these operators can legally process ore on their claims. I have had no reply.
HOW MINERS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM DEQ CITATIONS AND FINES-Jan Alexander
Miners are going to have to be pro-active to protect ourselves from DEQ.
DEQ has a list of all miners who have current WPCF 600 permits. If you don’t remember if you have one, let me know and I can look up your name.
DEQ thought they would start informing miners of the need to update their contact information by using the 2017 list that has e-mail addresses. If you don’t use a computer, or if your e-mail has changed, you are out of luck. If DEQ is unable to contact you, they will simply void your administratively extended permit. With no new 600 permit available, you will not be able to legally process pay gravel in Oregon.
DEQ should have already reached out to miners. What DEQ has done in the past is let interested parties such as EOMA know about the new permit, and usually both Beth Moore and Jim Billings meet with miners in the communities where most of the miners live. I am encouraging DEQ to set those meetings up as soon as possible.
DEQ has set a bad precedence in fining our local miners for shoveling by hand into a small trommel, without a 600 permit, which, as you know, they are unable to get.
This hasn’t done much in the way of seeing DEQ as reasonable or willing to work with operators.
HOW CAN MINERS UPDATE THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH DEQ? Jan Alexander
Miners with computers can e-mail Beth Moore at Beth.MOORE@deq.oregon.gov.
Include your name, the permit file#, your address, your phone number, and your e-mail address and indicate that the permit is mobile. That means it can be used anywhere in Oregon.
Be sure to request that Beth receipt your e-mail. That way you will have proof that you have updated your permit. I have a bad feeling that many permits will be voided unless miners are proactive.
If you do not have a computer to e-mail this information, write to Beth Moore via certified mail at Oregon DEQ, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97232-4100
NORTH FORK BURNT RIVER SUCTION DREDGING PROBLEM-Jan Alexander
I got an e-mail from Leslie Merrick of DEQ last year about the error in listing the NF Burnt River as a stream where no suction dredging is allowed. Leslie told me, “After the additional information you provided, I went back and looked at the sediment 303(d) listings for North Fork Burnt River (Assessment Unit IDs – OR_SR_1705020201_05_102800 and OR_SR_1705020201_05_102802). It appears that you are correct, the sediment listing for these assessment units are based an error in the crosswalk of the old 303(d) segments to the new AU framework in 2020. Good news, we are in the final stages of preparing the 2024 Integrated Report for submittal to EPA, and because they are errors, we will include these delistings in the submittal. Thank you for bringing this error to our attention “ Leslie said it was too late to make the change for the 2025 mining season, but it would be corrected for 2026.
When I called Beth Moore of DEQ to find out why suction dredge mining was still prohibited in the North Fork Burnt River, she informed me that DEQ had submitted the information to EPA as Leslie stated, but EPA has been slow to change the designation. I will make some inquiries at EPA to see what happened.
USGS RELEASES MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES-USGS
Key Highlights: 🔹The overall value of U.S. mineral production rose by 5.6% to $112 billion in 2025 driven by changes in the price of precious metals such as gold and silver. 🔹Mineral-reliant industries like aerospace, construction and electronics represented $4.09 trillion in value in 2025, more than one-eighth of the U.S. economy. 🔹The U.S. remained reliant on imports from China as a major source for 14 of the 33 critical minerals for which the U.S. most depends on imports. The section on trade covers 14 minerals, from antimony to tungsten, that China restricts being exported to the United States. 🔹Nevada was the leading mineral producing state (by value) for the second year in a row, but Arizona’s production overtook Texas for second place. “Clearly minerals will be the lifeblood of the 21st century global economy,” said Ned Mamula, director of the USGS.
MINING AND SATELLITE IMAGERY-USDA
Satellite imagery and aerial photography have proven to be important tools in support of mineral exploration projects. The tools are used in a variety of ways. Firstly, they provide geologists and field crews with the location of tracks, roads, fences, and inhabited areas. This is important for mapping out potential access corridors for exploration areas and considering the environmental impact of large projects. The satellite map data is also useful for mapping outcrops and regolith systematics and vegetation cover over regional areas.
Satellite images can also benefit geologists, scientists, and exploration managers due to the multiple bands that the satellites carry that allow the interpretation of wavelengths that cannot be seen by the human eye. Near-infrared, short-wave infrared, and thermal infrared can be used to identify the difference in structural features of the earth’s surface.
Multispectral imaging and thematic mapping allow researchers to collect reflection data and absorption properties of soils, rock, and vegetation. This data could be utilized by trained photogeologists to interpret surface lithologies, identify clays, oxides, and soil types from satellite imagery.
USDA FURTHER ADVANCES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUSH TO UNLEASH CRITICAL AMERICAN MINERAL AND ENERGY DOMINANCE-USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service today completed the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and issued the final record of decision for the Resolution Copper Project. The decision is now available on the agency’s project page. This is another important project in advancing President Trump’s goal of mineral independence and energy dominance by boosting domestic mineral production.
The action follows the March 13 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which upheld a district court decision denying a preliminary injunction that sought to halt the exchange. The court determined the Forest Service’s final environmental impact statement constitutes final agency action, satisfying administrative review requirements. With no legal basis to prevent the transfer, the land exchange proceeded under statutory direction established by Congress in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.
“The national security of America depends on our ability to harness the abundant natural resources we are blessed with in this country. The Resolution Copper project is a prime example of bureaucratic and legal chokeholds preventing our rural communities, supply chains, and defense industry from producing the minerals we need right here in America,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Completing this land exchange unlocks a major domestic source of copper, essential for defense, grid modernization, and next-generation energy, and positions the nation to secure its future by expanding mineral production.”
Bonding through EOMA
(This is the current bonding policy for the EOMA, it is presently available only on BLM land.)
(1) Limit each bond to $1,500 for conducting required needed reclamation
(2) Only EOMA members in good standing, who have been members at least two years, will be eligible for bonds.
(3) Each member who wishes to bond through EOMA will pay an initial 10% of the bond (up to $150).
(4) Members who bond through EOMA will pay $50/year for every year the bond is in place.
(5) In the event that the miner must post additional bond monies (when the bond amount is more than $1500), EOMA will provide $1,500 of the bond amount, the miner will write EOMA a check for the difference, and when the bond is returned, EOMA will keep the original $1500 and send back the additional monies that were paid by the miner.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
We are going to be discussing our advertising policy for the newsletter at the April EOMA meeting. The current policy requires you to be a paid-up member of EOMA in order to place an ad in the newsletter. We used to charge $1 per month for an ad, but since the loss of our executive director, Chuck Chase, we have been lax in keeping up with the advertising program of the newsletter. We need someone to step up and volunteer to take charge of advertising in the newsletter.
EASTERN OREGON PLACER MINING CLAIMS WITH ESTABLISHED RESERVES
FOR SALE – Two 20-acre placer BLM mining claims in Baker County, Oregon. Located in an established placer gold district. Established reserves at a very conservative 75,000 cubic yards at a grade of 0.58 grams (0.0186 ounces per yard). Reserves can likely be increased by additional testing. Claims include a current Notice of Intent for sampling and bulk sampling. Excellent year-round access from maintained county road adjacent to the property. Normal operating season is April to October and often longer. Perennial stream Clarks Creek flows through the Lone Pine Claim. Mining geologist report is available. $300,000, or trade for private property. Will consider terms. Send inquiries to mjawine@comcast.net
WANTED-GOLD
Gold Specimens and Gold nuggets, mostly from Oregon mines. Fair prices paid. Also selling Gold nugget jewelry, specimens, nuggets and more. For an interesting and informative experience explore www.northernnevadagold.com. Call Robert 775-455-6470
MINING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
STILL AVAILABLE- 3” flat hose, sluice, Honda pump, scraper, clean-up table, road runner screen, screen, diesel tank and pump, two slurry pumps, clean-up room equipment, and additional flat hose. I can send pictures and can provide details on this equipment. I am willing to discuss offers. Call Bill at 503-781-4393. E-mail me at dei@teleport.com .
MINING CLAIMS FOR SALE
STILL AVAILABLE-I still have an association placer claim 40-acres in size, Gold Midas Association, and a 20-acre placer claim, Gold Midas 2. These are on Wilson Creek near the confluence with Elk Creek. I have moved out of the area and thus, need to sell these claims. They are up to date with BLM. Jan Alexander has some maps and information that I sent her on the claims alx@ortelco.net. For a price, please e-mail me at Rob Browning, robbrowning70@gmail.com .
ACTION MINING SERVICES, INC.
AMS is selling assay supplies, screens, chemicals and labware! Call for a quote and mention this ad for 10% off! Assay supplies, concentrators, impact mills, technical books (for the beginner to the advanced mill man), & more! Call for our free catalog or visit us online! Check out our website for information on Wave tables. We are located in Plains, Montana. Please call 406.826.9330 to place your order. This way our staff can have it pulled and ready for pick up. Otherwise, we can always ship your order! sales@actionmining.com • www.actionmining.com
CAPITOL PROSPECTING-METAL DETECTING AND MINING SUPPLIES
We are located in Baker City at 2801 Broadway Street. We buy used equipment and sell both new and used equipment. Come in and see what we have, or call me at 503-269-8640. My e-mail is CapitolProspecting@hotmail.com.
We appreciate your business. Gary and Christina Earle
AMERICAN EXPLORATION & MINING ASSOCIATION
EOMA is a member of American Exploration & Mining Association, and many of our members are also individual members. American Exploration & Mining Association is a 128-year-old, 1,400-member, national association representing the minerals industry. With members in 46 states, AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration through production to reclamation and closure.
You can become a member of AEMA by going to their website at https://www.miningamerica.org