EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
MAY 2026
VOLUME 440
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 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 contact Ken if there is a question about your dues payment. Thank you for your support.
MAY 1st, 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 and some of our members have submitted comments on the revised Forest Service mining regulations. AEMA is also working to get the Forest Service and BLM to improve the Federal mining permitting process.
The State of Oregon continues to be a problem with their permitting and bonding on Federal mining claims. DEQ has refused, or been unable, or unwilling, to write a new 600 permit for NINE years. Requiring a permit that has not been issued for so many years, points out the need for a change in leadership of Oregon State Government. Democrats have control over the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches. Most people would agree that requiring a permit that you cannot get is not right. We have lost the fair and balanced part of our government.
For more information on what is going on with this 600 permit, see the articles in this newsletter.
MINE SAFETY TRAINING ANNUAL REFRESHER APRI 29, 2026-Trent Hahn
The class will be held at the Elk Creek Enterprises building located at 890 Elm Street in Baker City. The cost of the annual refresher is $60.Trent Hahn is our instructor. Class begins at 8:00 AM.
If you wish to sign up for this class, call Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413.
LATEST FROM JIM BILLINGS ON THE 600 PERMIT-Walt Evans
Walt Evans wrote me the following e-mail.
Hi Jan-here is the latest email response from Jim Billings at DEQ regarding the delayed new WPCF 600 permit. “Contrary to what you read in the EOMA newsletter, DEQ has not ceased work on the WPCF 600 renewal draft permit.
DEQ Water Quality program had a meeting this past Tuesday on WPCF 600 renewal, WPCF 600 transfers, and other topics, including additions for improvements to assist miners with using YDO for not only the WPCF 600 but also NPDES 700PM.
DEQ and Oregon State Police will cite miners for operating without a DEQ water quality permit required for all placer and lode ore processing with water, except hand panning.
While DEQ works on the WPCF 600 draft renewal, miners may still transfer coverage from a miner with administratively extended WPCF 600 coverage. There are 359 WPCF 600 registrants with current coverage in YDO. I have seen miners selling their mining claims on eBay or Craigslist for $4,000-$5,000 that included WPCF 600 or NPDES 700PM coverage to transfer. DEQ does not get involved with private matters of miners charging a price for a permit transfer, whether combined with a mining claim or for permit transfer alone”.
Jim’s e-mail goes on to say the following: “Not all WPCF 600 transfers are free, no fees. If a miner seeking coverage finds a miner with active WPCF 600 coverage to transfer, there is a $387 application fee (may increase up to 3% each November) to change an operation initially approved to process less than 1,500 cubic yards per year to an operation that plans to process from 1,500 to 10,000 cubic yards annually according to the WPCF 600 application submitted with the transfer form and fees. YDO (this is DEQ’s new on-line portal) also has the technology fee service charge.
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature updated the 700 PM fees from $25 annual fee to $250 application, $250 annual, and $250 renewal fees. DEQ would only be able to raise WPCF 600 fees if DEQ did a fee rulemaking and approval by the Environmental Quality Commission. The WPCF 600 fees are dated because they have not been updated since before the WPCF 600 was issued in 2006.”
WHAT I REPORTED IN THE NEWSLETTER WAS CORRECT-Jan Alexander
I don’t much appreciate Jim Billings saying I misrepresented the situation with the DEQ’s 600 permit. However, if this gets DEQ going again on reissuing the WPCF 600 permit, that’s all that is important.
As information, I had a conversation with Rebecca Bodmar from DEQ concerning the permit. She told me DEQ still has the permit in draft form. They are trying to make it easier to understand for the operator. I asked her when the permit might be available for public comment, but she was unable to give me an approximate date.
Thus, the permit will still need internal review, then, the draft will go out to the public for comment, and finally a final permit will be available for miners to apply for.
I had asked Jim Billings and Beth Moore about the possibility of miners being able to apply for a “special” permit under OAR 340-045. “This is a special, short-term WPCF permit for unexpected or emergency activities, operations, emissions or discharges. Such a permit is valid for not more than 60 days from date of issuance. DEQ will develop such a permit to ensure it adequately protects property and preserves public health, welfare and resources. Application for a special WPCF permit must be in writing and may be in the form of a letter that fully describes the emergency and the proposed activities, operations, emissions, or discharges”.
Since I got no reply from Beth or Jim, I asked Rebecca about an emergency “special permit”. I told her I had asked Jim Billings and Beth Moore about this option previously, but neither would reply to me. I told Rebecca that this seems like an emergency to me, with DEQ threatening to cite miners if they don’t have a permit. She said the problem was that DEQ would still have to write the emergency permit, but she would look into it and get back to me.
I am hopeful that DEQ will get back to business and get this new 600 permit out to the public.
MANY MINERS DON’T EVEN REMEMBER THEY HAVE A 600 PERMIT-Jan Alexander
Check your files. If you can’t find your permit, I have a list of all the existing permits. Miners must update their mailing address, phone number and e-mail address by e-mailing Beth Moore at BethMoore@deq.oregon.gov. If DEQ can’t contact you, they will cancel your permit.
CHANGES TO THE FOREST SERVICE MINING REGULATIONS Jan Alexander
The comment period will be up by the time this newsletter reaches our members. These regulations are over 100 pages long and need complete revisions.
EOMA will keep members informed to see if they get changed or whether we are stuck with long timeframes for Operating Plan approvals, and requiring an Operating Plan for even one test hole. Seems like exactly what we are experiencing under the current regulations.
H. R. 7458-TO CODIFY NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES-Jan Alexander
This Act may be cited as the “Domestic Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act” or the “Domestic ORE Act”. It applies to both BLM and USFS.
Under Sec 2 it states, among other things,
(a) In general. —Not later than 15 days before commencing an exploration activity with a surface disturbance of not more than 25 acres of public lands, the operator of such exploration activity shall submit to the Secretary concerned a notice of such exploration activity.
(c) Review. —Not later than 15 days after the Secretary concerned receives a notice of an exploration activity submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—
(1) allow the exploration activity to proceed if—
(A) the surface disturbance of such exploration activity will not be more than 25 acres of public lands;
(B) the Secretary concerned determines that the notice includes the information required under subsection (b); and
(C) the operator provides financial assurance that the Secretary concerned determines is adequate; or
Under the heading “exploration activity”, it states;
(A) means creating a surface disturbance greater than casual use that includes sampling, drilling, or developing surface or underground workings to evaluate the type, extent, quantity, or quality of minerals present;
(B) includes constructing drill roads and drill pads, drilling, trenching, excavating test pits, and conducting geotechnical tests and geophysical surveys
We can only hope this legislation moves forward.
H.R. 7458 ORE ACT-AEMA
The Domestic Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act (Domestic ORE Act), codifies and expands the BLM’s notice level authority for hardrock exploration from five acres to twenty-five acres and, importantly, extends it to National Forest System lands.
Mark Compton, Executive Director of AEMA testified in Washinton DC on this bill.” My testimony focused on the need to incentivize mineral exploration – the lifeblood of the minerals industry – and to prevent unneeded bureaucratic hurdles to domestic production. I emphasized that we must ensure federal land access to explore for and develop mineral resources, and that we must permit mining projects in a timely and efficient manner. And further, that we must develop the skilled workforce necessary to carry out these objectives”.
SENATE COMMITTEE ADVANCES BLM NOMINEE-AEMA
On March 4, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management to the full Senate. The vote was along party lines, 11-9. At this time, it is unclear when Pearce will receive a vote in the full Senate. It is likely he will be included in a slate of 50-100 nominees, a practice that has become more frequent in this Congress. AEMA has supported Pearce’s nomination, and will keep you posted on any developments.
RESOLUTION COPPER LAND EXCHANGE COMPLETED-AEMA
A significant legal victory happened on March 13 when the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s denial of plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction against the land exchange mandated by the bipartisan Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act passed in 2014.
The Ninth Circuit’s action paved the way for the Resolution Copper land exchange to be completed, which the U.S. Forest Service immediately finalized. Subsequently, the U.S. Supreme Court denied plaintiffs’ appeal for an emergency stay. “This is a remarkable day for both Resolution Copper and Arizonans,” said Vicky Peacey, President & General Manager at Resolution Copper. “We are grateful to President Trump and his Administration for making our project a Fast-41 priority and to the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Congress for completing the land exchange that makes this milestone possible. Their leadership has paved the way for one of the most significant private investments in rural Arizona’s history and unlocked the second-largest undeveloped copper deposit in the world.”
FLORENCE COPPER HITS MILESTONE-AEMA
This month, Florence Copper announced the production of their first copper cathode from their commercial facilities in Florence, Arizona, marking the first major new source of copper production in the United States in more than a decade from a greenfield operation. AEMA issued the following statement of support upon the announcement: “Producing its first copper cathode is a major milestone for Florence Copper and for domestic mineral development,” said American Exploration & Mining Association’s Executive Director, Mark Compton. “This achievement underscores the importance of responsibly developing America’s mineral resources to strengthen our supply chains and support economic growth. AEMA congratulates the Florence team on this important accomplishment.”
INDUSTRY PRACTICE-BLM Tech. Bulletin 4
Under the section on Placer Examinations Principles and Practice, BLM writes: “it should be emphasized that the successful placer companies place as much reliance on the experience and insight of their prospecting and management personnel as they do on sample results…”.
COLOSSEUM RARE EARTH PROJECT – Dateline
The Colosseum project, which sits within Mojave’s Clark Mountain region, was previously mined for gold and silver during the 1990s, but it is now also being explored for rare earth elements. Dateline, which acquired the project in 2021, identified the project’s rare earth potential after a review of historic government data and drew geological similarities to Mountain Pass — the only rare earth mine in the US, located just 10 km away.
In 2025 and early 2026, Dateline completed a comprehensive suite of high-resolution geophysical surveys, including gravity, airborne magnetics, radiometrics, induced polarization (IP) and magnetotellurics (MT). These datasets have now been integrated with geological mapping, historical data and new geochemical results to define carbonatite rare earth targets across the project.
In response to US President Donald Trump’s executive order to bolster America’s critical minerals supply chain, the Interior Department approved Dateline’s mining rights last April. The project subsequently received public backing from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who called the revival of the Colosseum project a “pivotal step” in the Trump administration’s efforts to build a secure supply of minerals such as rare earths. For more information see: https://www.datelineresources.com.au/projects/colosseum-rare-earths/
COPPER, NICKEL, SULPHUR AND THE IRAN WAR- Reuters
The Iran war has already caused turmoil in the global aluminum market but now the fallout is spreading to both copper and nickel supply chains. The conduit is sulfur, a by-product of the Gulf’s oil and gas industry that has been effectively trapped since the Strait of Hormuz closed on February 28. The region accounts for around a quarter of global production, according to the US Geological Survey. Sulfuric acid is a key input for copper miners using solvent-extraction technology on oxide ores and for nickel production from high-pressure-acid-leach (HPAL) plants.
Unfortunately for metals producers, sulfur is also used for fertilizers, a sector that accounts for around two-thirds of global demand and one which is critical for food production and governments will prioritize over everything else.
That is why China, the world’s largest sulfuric acid producer, will ban exports next month. Turkey has already done so, according to Argus Media, and India is considering doing the same. The result is an intensifying sulfur squeeze with prices rallying to record highs.
UPDATE ON EOMP AND THE BEAVER ANALOGS
EOMP members met with Ranger Jeremy Augero and his staff on April 13, 2026, on the claims. With little snow melt to augment the stream flow, no new problems were evident other than the ford is impassible. The ranger authorized members to repair the ford. The ranger said he wants to watch the situation with flooding the deposit and deal with it when and if it happens.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
Edito’s note: The current policy requires you to be a paid-up member of EOMA in order to place an ad in the newsletter.
TWO PIECES OF MINING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE IN GRANITE
Trommel on 24’ trailer. Ten-foot by two-foot diameter barrel. Two cylinder Kohler engine with electric start. Seven foot by eight foot rock screen. Also, a 400-gallon water tank on a heavy duty trailer. There are hoses and a small Briggs & Stratton engine driving a 2” discharge pump. Mike (541) 755-5028 leave a message. Or (503) 266-5739. strimble@pinetel.com
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