Information on Unpatented Mining Claims
One of the issues identified to be analyzed in the environmental impact statement (EIS) is the presence of unpatented mining claims that might overlap with the proposed project footprint. Information about the unpatented mining claims associated with the proposed action were included in the General Plan of Operation submitted by Resolution Copper (figure 1.3-2 and appendix A). In May 2019, additional unpatented claim information was requested from Resolution Copper for the other alternatives, including:
- Alternative 4 – Silver King
- Alternative 5 – Peg Leg, including east and west pipeline corridor options
- Alternative 6 – Skunk Camp. While the tailings storage facility itself is located on private and Arizona State Trust lands, unpatented claims still could be affected by the north and south pipeline corridor options.
The purpose of this memorandum is to document the receipt of these files for the project record.
Garrett, C. 2019a. Information on Unpatented Mining Claims. Process memorandum to file. Phoenix, Arizona: SWCA Environmental Consultants. July 2.
Email Address Created for Land Exchange Questions
The Southwestern Region Office of Lands and Minerals Management is overseeing and administering the land exchange and appraisal process which includes the 2,422-acre Oak Flat Federal Parcel. All questions about the land exchange and appraisal process should be emailed to SM.FS.rcexinfo@usda.gov
Programmatic Agreement Info
To comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Tonto National Forest developed a Programmatic Agreement (PA) and included it in Volume 5, Appendix O of the final EIS. The PA was created in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the State Historic Preservation Office, tribes and other consulting parties. The PA contains an agreed upon process for identifying, evaluating and addressing adverse effects to historic properties associated with this undertaking.
To review Volume 5 and the PA, Download Vol 5 PDF, 27 MB.
Forest Service Point of Contact
John Scaggs
Tonto National Forest
john.scaggs@usda.gov
Apache Leap Special Management Area
Apache Leap SMA website