EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 2024
VOLUME 412
YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT!
MEMBERSHIPS ARE DUE THIS MONTH. Please send your dues to:
EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814. You can also pay with a credit card on our website. Or you can pay at the meeting. Thank you for your support!
NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS: eoma.us
JANUARY 5th MEETING AT ELK CREEK ENTERPRISES
The EOMA monthly meeting is at the Elk Creek Enterprises saw shop located at 890 Elm Street in Baker City. The Board Meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and the general meeting follows at 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. There is time for discussing mining and getting to know other miners. We will give away a 1 oz. silver medallion at the end of the meeting.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Last month in my message I stated; “There definitely needs to be a change in the way the FS handles mining”.
Now we find out, not only will Ray Lovisone be retiring in January, but Deputy Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello is leaving, and District Ranger Cikanek is stepping down as District Ranger to work on the Blue Mountain Forest Plan revision team as a fish biologist.
I imagine that there will be a change in the way the FS handles mining, as well as everything else that they do! Maybe the over ten-year-old Powder Mining Projects EIS will finally be completed. Perhaps they will make an effort to right the wrong they did in destroying the Hudson portal and access road, and maybe they will stop trying to make miners prove validity of their claims before approving Plans of Operation.
We will all need to work together for a change for the better for mining.
CHANGE IN “LEADERSHIP TEAM” ON THE WALLOWA-WHITMN NATIONAL FOREST-Shannon McKone
The Forest Service announced two significant changes in leadership.
Anthony Botello, Deputy Forest Supervisor, has accepted the position of Forest Supervisor on the Flathead National Forest in Northwestern Montana and Kendall Cikanek, Whitman District Ranger, will be joining the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Team.
Both moves will be in early January.
Cikanek will join a team of experts from the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests and regional professionals that form the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Team.
Cikanek’s specific expertise as a fisheries biologist paired with his line officer experience makes him a huge asset to the team. “Together these skillsets will assist the three Blue Mountains Forests to navigate our Endangered Species Act consultation process. I appreciate Kendall focusing on this part of our portfolio and ensuring the consultation process goes smoothly,” said McKinney.
No announcements have been made on who will be replacing the two, but an Acting District Ranger and Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor will be selected to serve until the vacancies are filled.
WHAT ROSEMONT MEANS TO OPEN PIT MINE OPERATIONS-Rew Goodenow and Jamie Latimer of Parsons Behle Latimer Law Firm
Many thanks to Chad Williams for providing a copy of the Mining Law short course he and Ken Anderson took at the AEMA’s 129th Annual Meeting.
Latimer and Goodenow’s presentation concludes that because of the Rosemont decision,” BLM must now inquire into the validity of mining claims when an operator submits a plan of operations or amendment thereto that proposes to place waste rock and tailings on public lands.”
Note from Jan
As I see it, open pit mines and thousands of tons of waste rock deposited on the surface of unmined claims without a discovery, has nothing to do with small scale placer operations where tailings are used to refill excavations to normal land contours and the surface is vegetated.
But, in order to stop any mining operations on the Forest, Ranger Cikanek, with Regional Office backing, went ahead and decided that any miner who proposes to “mine”, rather than to prospect and explore must undergo a validity exam. Thankfully, most of our Plans of Operation are aimed at defining a deposit through prospecting and exploration, rather than mining.
DEMAND FOR COPPER HAS SKYROCKETED-Global Business Reports, USA Copper
Copper is undoubtedly one of the most versatile mined metals. It is used in nearly every industry and has become a shining star in the green revolution thanks to its conductive properties. Demand for copper has recently skyrocketed as it is required to modernize aging power generation and transmission infrastructure to accommodate fast-growing renewable sources, including solar PV, offshore and onshore wind, solar power, as well as nuclear and hydropower. Transportation is also electrifying quickly, with electric vehicles (EVs) progressively taking the center stage in most major markets.
Over the next 25 years, demand will only continue to increase as countries try to achieve global climate change ambitions. Studies show that demand will grow dramatically from 25 million metric tons (t) today to about 50 million t by 2035, a record-high level that will be sustained and continue to grow to 53 million t by 2050. If production levels do not increase significantly, demand is likely to remain unmet. Experts agree that substitution and recycling will not be enough to meet the demands of EVs, power infrastructure, and renewable generation. Therefore, unless massive new supply comes online in a timely way, the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 will remain out of reach.
The US – the world’s fifth largest copper producer with the world’s sixth largest copper reserves at 48 million tons – is uniquely positioned to address the impending supply-demand imbalance.
“Looking around the world, many copper reserves and projects are located in risky jurisdictions, which has been one of the challenges to bring on new supply,” explained Stuart McDonald, president and CEO of the North American mining company Taseko Mines, noting that today, almost 40% of copper production comes from Chile and Peru, which are both experiencing political and social instability.
In the past few years, copper production in the US has remained relatively stable despite the global economic rollercoaster. After a decline of 4.8% in 2020 prompted by the pandemic, the nation’s red metal production recovered by 2.5% to 1.2 million t in 2021, mainly supported by rising output from the country’s major producers, Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto. Together, these two accounted for 66.8% of the total production with 821,000 t copper in 2021, up from 783,300 t in the previous year.
In 2021, copper production from Freeport-McMoRan grew by 3% mainly due to the ramp-up from the Lone Star mine in Arizona, which started operations in 2020. “We always knew that Lone Star would be a huge opportunity for us. We were able to get the oxide resources into service and production over the past two years,” revealed Joshua Olmsted, president and COO for the Americas at Freeport.
ALL THE METALS WE MINED IN 2022-Bruno Venditti
Today, major industries that directly consume processed mineral materials contribute 14% of the United States economy. 2.8 billion tonnes of metals were mined in 2022.
Iron ore dominates the metals mining landscape, comprising 93% of the total mined. In 2022, 2.6 billion tonnes of iron ore were mined, containing about 1.6 billion tonnes of iron.
Metal/Ore Quantity Mined in 2022 (tonnes) % of Total
Iron ore 2,600,000,000 93.3%
Industrial metals 185,111,835 6.6%
Technology and Precious Metals 1,500,008 0.05%
Total 2,786,611,843 100%
(Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding).
Iron ores are found in various geologic environments, such as igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks, and can contain over 70% iron, with many falling in the 50-60% range.
Combined with other materials like coke and limestone, iron ore is primarily used in steel production. Today, almost all (98%) iron ore is dedicated to steelmaking. The ore is typically mined in about 50 countries, but Australia, Brazil, China, and India are responsible for 75% of the production. Because of its essential role in infrastructure development, iron ore is one of the most crucial materials underpinning urbanization and economic growth.
Industrial metals occupy the second position on our list, constituting 6.6% of all metals mined in 2022. These metals, including copper, aluminum, lead, and zinc, are employed in construction and industrial applications.
Aluminum constituted nearly 40% of industrial metal production in 2022. China was responsible for 56% of all aluminum produced.
Industrial Metals 2022 Mine Production (tonnes) % of Total
Aluminum 69,000,000 37.3%
Chromium 41,000,000 22.1%
Copper 22,000,000 11.9%
Manganese 20,000,000 10.8%
Zinc 13,000,000 7.0%
Titanium (mineral concentrates) 9,500,000 5.1%
Lead 4,500,000 2.4%
Nickel 3,300,000 1.8%
Zirconium Minerals (Zircon) 1,400,000 0.8%
Magnesium 1,000,000 0.5%
Total 185,111,835 100%
TECHNOLOGY AND PRECIOUS METALS Bruno Venditti
Despite representing less than 1% of all the metals mined, technology metals have been on the news over the last few years as countries and companies seek these materials to reduce carbon emissions and improve productivity.
Technology and Precious Metals 2022 Mine Production (tonnes) % of Total
Tin 310,000 20.7%
Rare Earth Oxides 300,000 20.0%
Molybdenum 250,000 16.7%
Cobalt 190,000 12.7%
Lithium 130,000 8.7%
Vanadium 100,000 6.7%
Tungsten 84,000 5.6%
Niobium 79,000 5.3%
Silver 26,000 1.7%
Cadmium 24,000 1.6%
Total 1,500,008 100%
They include lithium and cobalt, used in electric vehicles and battery storage, and rare earths, used in magnets, metal alloys, and electronics. Many of them are considered critical for countries’ security due to their role in clean energy technologies and dependency on other nations to supply domestic demand.
However, despite increasing interest in these metals, they are still behind precious metals such as gold and silver regarding market size. The gold market, for example, reached $196 billion in 2022, compared to $10.6 billion for the rare earths market.
THE 2012 PLANNING RULE AND THE FOREST PLAN REVISIONS-Ken Alexander
You should be aware that three forests, Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla and Malheur National Forests are currently in the process of developing new forest plans under the 2012 planning rules. The 2012 rule encouraged the Counties and others to become cooperating agencies with the FS. However, the rule also said: 219.4 “(b) Coordination with other public planning efforts. (1) The responsible official shall coordinate land management planning with the equivalent and related planning efforts of federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, other Federal agencies, and State and local governments.”
There has been discussion of making all the existing Forest Roads “closed” unless they are designated “open” as Forest System roads. This will certainly be a radical change from the practice that has been in place for over a hundred years. Baker County supports the open forest concept. It is important that the Forest Service coordinate (government to government) with Baker County so our access needs are reflected in the new Forest Plan.
2023 AEMA President’s Message- Mike Satre, Hecla Mining Company
This year’s American Exploration & Mining Association Convention theme was “Mining Meets the Moment – Which is Now.” There is no question that this theme is apt and timely, and that the mining industry is at an unprecedented moment in modern history where both the government and the public truly realize that they need us to provide the raw materials needed for modern life.
Unfortunately, since I am a glass half full kind of guy, I worry that mining in the United States finds itself at a crossroads, facing a conundrum reminiscent of The Clash’s classic song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” On one hand, the Biden administration has expressed a desire for critical mineral development, recognizing the importance of these resources for various industries, including green energy and national security. However, on the other hand, the industry contends with an array of obstacles that are seemingly bent on pushing mining activities to other countries. The question is should the mining industry persevere and invest in the United States (Stay) or consider alternative options (Go)?
The Biden administration has been vocal about its intention to bolster the domestic production of critical minerals. These minerals are vital components in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems, positioning them as linchpins in the quest for sustainable development and national security. But, despite the encouraging rhetoric, the mining industry has faced numerous challenges that cast doubt on the feasibility of investing capital in the United States. Pre-emptive vetoes, withdrawal of mineral leases, EIS remands, threatening to upend mineral tenure, proposing additional taxes, and ignoring congressional intent on permitting reform are just some of the adverse actions that the industry has faced over the past few years. In the face of these hurdles, the mining industry must weigh the potential risks and benefits of investing in the United States versus other jurisdictions.
There is no question that the United States’ reliance on importing critical minerals and materials poses national security risks. Dependence on foreign sources for these essential resources can leave the nation vulnerable in times of crisis. By investing in domestic production, the mining industry contributes to strengthening national security and reducing this vulnerability.
Even with the challenges we face, I firmly believe that the answer is STAY.
The United States has abundant mineral resources that are the envy of the world and stringent regulations that ensure that we develop them responsibly. Our commitment to the safety of our people and our communities makes us a valued partner wherever we operate and there is a growing recognition that Made in America starts with Mined in America. By emphasizing our strengths and continually operating at the highest standards we will clear the remaining hurdles we still face and make STAY the easy answer to this age-old question. And you can count on all of us at the American Exploration & Mining Association to help make this happen!
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
WANTED-MINERS TO PARTICIPATE IN A NEW TV SHOW WITH DAVE TURIN-Johnny West (ca)
Because of my ad in our EOMA Newsletter, I received an Email from a lady in London, England.
Her name is Lizzie Jenkins, and she is an Assistant Producer for www.raw.co.uk.
My understanding is her company films and produces the TV show “Gold Rush” on the Discovery Channel.
Her company is starting a new TV show with Dave Turin, and they are looking for miners that are testing mining property, and could use Dave’s help. I believe the property would need to be fully permitted for testing/mining. So, if any miners would consider getting help from Dave Turin, please contact Lizzie to get the complete details, and make sure it is something you would like to do.
Here is Lizzie’s contact information:
Lizzie Jenkins
Assistant Producer
Third Floor, 13-21 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3LT
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 456 0800 | Mob: +44 7769 296 581
www.raw.co.uk
UK Company Reg. 4305751
VAT: 297 4286 51
RAW TV SHOW IS LOOKING FOR MINERS WHO WANT TO INCREASE GOLD RECOVERY- Rhys Towse Producer at Raw TV –
Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush: Freddy Dodge’s Mine Rescue is looking for gold mines Freddy and Juan can visit in 2023 to see if they can help improve gold recovery.
If you are interested, please call Office: +44 (0)207 456 0800
EOMA members who have participated in “Gold Rush: Freddy Dodge’s Mine Rescue” report a very positive experience. Miners who do not have the resources to pay for equipment upgrades are not under obligation to pay.
MINERS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN EITHER PROGRAM IN OREGON ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE PERMITTING IN PLACE
If you have questions about permitting, EOMA will be glad to help you out. The best thing you can do to promote mining activity in Oregon, is to do it right. Call Jan if you have questions at 541-446-3413.
WANTED (19)
I would like to rent/lease/lease with option to buy property that may be productive for metal detecting and mining. Especially areas with tailings like the Powder River near Sumpter, or other local areas. Thanks, Johnny West. Email: jwestboise@gmail.com
WANTED-GOLD(0)
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
PRICE REDUCED-SIMPSON AND LUCKY PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
The Simpson is an 80-acre association placer and must be quit-claimed to a group of four miners. The Lucky group is composed of three 20-acre contiguous claims. These can be purchased by one miner. Both claim groups are covered by approved Plans of Operation and both are located on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
My health is forcing me to sell these claims. Give me a call if you are interested and please make me an offer. Call Dave at 810-523-7313.
ACTION MINING SERVICES, INC.(ca)
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
AMERICAN EXPLORATION & MINING ASSOCIATION(ca)
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
SUBSCRIBE TO MINING JOURNAL FOR UP TO DATE NEWS (ca)
ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal is your monthly source for news, legislation, how-to articles and more. Josh and Sherrie Lynn Reinke are the new owners of the Mining Journal, same great news source! A full year is still only $29.95; or get a print and an online subscription for just $44.95, and get access to our last 16 years of articles online too. Published monthly since 1931. Visit us at www.icmj.com or call at (831) 479-1500 to get your subscription.