EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
OCTOBER 2026
VOLUME 445
EOMA MEMBERSHIPS FOR 2026
End of mining season is rapidly approaching, Keep the monthly newsletter coming to you by keeping your EOMA dues 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 you have a question about the status of your dues.
OCTOBER 2nd, 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
Time is short for commenting on the Blue Mountain Plan Revision. Comments are due by September 30. The danger of the Draft Plan’s use of mandatory, binding Standards to control citizens using the National Forests must be changed. The Draft Plan makes it clear that Projects MUST COMPLY with applicable Standards. Page 107 states that a Standard is a “a mandatory constraint on project and activity decision making”.
One really unacceptable Standard is on page 180 of the document. It states that the mining laws require access for miners to be “commensurate with the level of operations”. This Standard is untrue, the mining laws guarantee access to all miners, they do not guarantee access based on the level of operations. The mining laws guarantee access for miners at any level of the operation.
If this Standard is not deleted, it means that that the miner’s access would arbitrarily and subjectively be decided by the District Ranger. Miner’s access to mineral deposits has to come before the level of operations can even be determined. Miners exploring mineral deposits, or doing assessment work on their claims need to have access.
If you don’t comment on anything else, comment that this Standard must be deleted.
BLUE MOUNTAIN FOREST REVISION COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES SEPT 30, 2026-Jan Alexander
Thanks to all of you have submitted comments, or are in the middle of doing this. I know it is a thankless task since there is so much wrong with this Draft Plan.
Ken is writing another set of comments on the fact that they are combing three very different forests into one Plan, the document does not meet the requirements of the Clear Writing Act and many Standards are ambiguous and impossible to understand, while the Draft Plan itself insists that all Standards must be concise and clear.
Forest Access for All is helping people write letters. Check out their website: https://www.forestaccessforall.org/bmfpr-public-comment. I also am always glad to help write letters. Contact me at 541-446-3413 or alx@ortelco.net
UPDATE ON DEQ 600 PERMIT-Jan Alexander
We have not heard anything about the draft WPCF 600 permit. Once we get through the Wallowa-Whitman Forest Plan Revision comments, we will see where DEQ is at with this permit.
TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN ON NATIONAL FOREST LANDS- Baker County Comments
A special thankyou goes out to Doni Bruland, Baker County Natural Resources Advisor, with the support of Baker County Commissioner, Christine Withim, for stepping up and writing comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) environmental impact statement and rulemaking to revise the Forest Service’s travel management regulations, 36 CFR part 212.
Their comments stress that the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is one of only a few forests that are open forests. The County wants to keep it that way. The letter stresses that “it is crucial that local government and public engagement is first and foremost in the revision of the Travel Management Rule”. The letter also stresses that open forests, like ours, need to be codified so that no TMP will be imposed upon them. Open forest roads benefit the economies, custom and culture of local citizens, as well as providing safety in emergencies and firefighting where open roads are essential. Open forests allow for the dispersion of users; campers, subsistence harvesting, OHV travel, over snow travel, and all access to resources. The letter also states that only designated wilderness should be road-free. Any road proposed for closure must be analyzed in a NEPA document and there should be public involvement. The letter emphasizes that multiple use is the driving force for roads and access.
NEW MSHA INSTRUCTOR-Jan Alexander
Mike Weaver will be our instructor this spring. He will provide new miner training for both surface and underground miners in March. Mike will also provide annual refresher training one day in March and one day in April. The cost of the training is set by Eastern Oregon University at $60 per miner for each day of training. The dates of training will be in our next newsletter.
MSHA CHANGES
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration has announced the implementation of an annual and comprehensive training course for all inspectors to ensure all interactions with stakeholders are consistently professional.
To reinforce the importance of positive stakeholder relations, MSHA developed a “professionalism” course for agency employees performing inspections and responding to mine accidents, hazard complaints, and general inquiries. Topics cover a myriad of scenarios, from day-to-day interactions with miners and mine managers to accident investigations.
“These courses are an essential refresher for our field staff and an important way to demonstrate to the mining industry that we are listening and understand their perspective,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer. “Our relationship with the mining industry is crucial to the health and safety of miners, and we want to be sure our employees conduct themselves professionally at every turn.”. Subjects included in the course include:
Competence and sound judgment
Fostering respect
Dedication to miner safety and public service
Building trust
The importance of listening skills
Demonstrating integrity
Fair and impartial treatment
Congress granted MSHA significant, exclusive authority to enhance the safety and health of miners. The agency is committed to carrying out its mission with the highest standards of professionalism, dignity, and respect. Those from the mining industry with questions and concerns should reach out to AskMSHA@dol.gov or call 202-693-9400. Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.
US HOUSE PASSES BILL TO FAST TRACK MINING PROJECTS-Jackson Chen
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make mining projects permanently eligible for accelerated federal permitting under the FAST-41 framework.
The Protecting Domestic Mining Act (H.R. 1501), introduced in February 2025, would add “mining” and “mineral processing” directly to the list of sectors eligible to become covered projects under FAST-41.
FAST-41 provides a coordinated federal permitting process for major infrastructure projects, including greater coordination between government agencies, more predictable permitting timelines, and increased transparency.
The program was first established under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act in 2015. While mining is already treated as an eligible FAST-41 sector under existing regulations, the legislation would codify that status in federal law, making it more difficult for a future administration to reverse the policy.
H.R. 1501 would prohibit the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council from administering, or enforcing the proposed rule. Instead, mining and mineral processing would be explicitly included in the FAST Act itself.
Importantly, the legislation is not limited to lithium, rare earths, antimony, tungsten, or other commodities included on the US critical minerals list.The broader eligibility means mining and mineral processing projects across a wider range of commodities could potentially seek FAST-41 coverage.
The legislation adds to the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains and accelerate the development of US mining projects.
Permitting reform has become a major part of that strategy, with the administration seeking to reduce delays that can add years to the development of new mines and processing facilities.
However, the legislation has also faced opposition over concerns about the potential environmental and community impacts of accelerating mine approvals.
With House approval secured, the legislation would still need to clear the Senate and be signed into law.
ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
Editor’s note: Paid-up members of EOMA can place an ad in the newsletter. Contact Jan Alexander for information about advertising in the newsletter.
PLACER GOLD CLAIMS FOR SALE
Sale includes 6 placer claims (180 acres total) located on Elk Creek near Baker City. Sale also includes all the equipment and has a PoO with FS in place and A WPCF 600 permit that can be transferred. If interested, call Don at 509-860-1145 or email: donaldenright25@gmail.com
THREE PATENTED CLAIMS FOR SALE
There are 3 separate claims in the Whitney Mining District, the Medock, the Evening Star, and the Saturn. There is a water right on Jack Knife Creek. The Medock was placer mined in the past, the other two were underground operations. There is a cabin on the Saturn. Access is via the Gimlet Creek road. The price for this property is $399,000. Will consider terms. If interested, call Brad Young at 503-860-4544.
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
LUCKY PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
There are three 20 acre claims for sale. Lots pf possibilities here for a large operation but because of my health, I am selling. There is an approved Plan of Operation in place with the Forest Service. If interested e-mail me at Dave Smith (dtowing1964@sbcglobal.net)
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
METAL FLOAT CELLS FOR SALE
There are 12 cells. These have been stored inside the Buffalo Mine Mill Building.
If interested call Tommy at 541-519-9611 or email me at tpartee46@gmail.com
WATER TANK FOR SALE IN GRANITE
A 400-gallon water tank on a heavy duty trailer. There are hoses and a small Briggs & Stratton engine driving a 2” discharge pump. Call Mike (541) 755-5028 leave a message. Or (503) 266-5739. strimble@pinetel.com
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 .
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
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