turquoistar
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2015
Posts: 3
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Post by turquoistar on May 30, 2015 0:01:50 GMT -5
The mine sold 2 years ago this month and is still open and in operation. It continues to produce small quantities of fine gem grade natural turquoise and larger quantities of nice clear blue chalk nuggets that stabilize just beautifully. The current claim owners are working with the local BLM to secure the permits necessary to once again open the mine up with heavy equipment which has not been done in over 30 years.
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Post by radio on May 30, 2015 8:09:53 GMT -5
Old post, but since it has been resurrected, my limited experience with the BLM and claims is the requirement of a reclamation bond one must post before mining operations begin. www.blm.gov/or/programs/minerals/files/minerals_reclamation_bonding.pdf\here is the most troubling part of the guidelines: The BLM will periodically review the estimated cost of reclamation and the adequacy of any funding mechanism and require increased coverage, if necessary
Almost assuredly, they would re inspect the mine and negate any existing reclamation agreement requiring the new owner to jump through all sorts of new hoops making it nearly impossible for the average individual to meet the requirements (demands) of the BLM
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Post by snowmom on May 30, 2015 8:52:13 GMT -5
friend just bought a chunk of good turquoise at $30 an ounce. If the stuff is decent, there is value there alright, maybe worth going after.
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turquoistar
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2015
Posts: 3
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Post by turquoistar on May 31, 2015 11:46:31 GMT -5
Radio, You are correct with that espesially in Calif. the BLM is anything but cooperative when it comes to securing mining rights and operations. We have found that they are often not interested in working with or for us as citizens requesting to do legal mining and work on "Public" lands but instead use anything possible within their reach either according to their own rules or not to hinder our goals. They more than often try to push their own personal unwarranted environmental concerns and feelings that are more often than not in total and complete contradiction to what there own rules and requirements clearly state, and they don't care. We have hit major roadblocks even though we are working with very professional mining consultants advise and direction, one of which actually worked for and retired from the BLM as a mining geologist and has admitted to us that the "new" BLM is completly out of control and for the most part is not working for the better of the public who owns this great land of ours. They are in "the system" now and are trying to push their own evironmental agendas which is only getting worse by the day.
Having said that we are not seeing a full mining operations permit because we would never be granted one with a rec. bond that would be within reason for our claims operation and possible recovery if ever.
We applied for and were granted an exploration permit which is good for 2 years before it has to be re approved which can happen indefinitely if they choose. We are allowed to move up to 1000 yards of material which has to be mapped out and approved as to what will be moved and where regardless of any old previous ground that has been disturbed at the mine site. We are not responsible for any of the massive digging that was done back in the 70's but are completly responsible for moving every new rock associated with the new permit. The money involved is not called a Reclamation bond for an Exp. permit but a financial guarantee and that basically mirrors our cost to have the equipment brought in and operated to move the allowed amount of ground work plus BLM admin. fees of 15%. So basically the costs we have been quoted by a local operator to do the work is under $2000 for 2 days work with a dozer and loader so our FG will run around $2300 total vs a Rec. bond in Calif. which could run as high as 10k to 30k for a full operation permit which would likley never be approved anyway.
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