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Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards

Directory

GOALS: Recognize miners in the state of Nevada who are doing an outstanding job of reclamation of disturbed areas caused by mining and exploration activities.

Interest generated by the award(s) should result in:

  1. Better Plans of Operation submitted with sound reclamation plans;
  2. Industry raising standards;
  3. Increasing public's awareness of the positive aspects of mining; and
  4. Encourage innovation in reclamation techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Provide a Nevada Reclamation award in the following categories:

Mine Large size mine, small/medium size mine.
Exploration Large company, small company.
Minerals Materials Special and/or unique treatment of borrow areas.
Innovation  New, successful techniques for reclaiming any component of a mining or exploration project.
Special  Individual recognition in the reclamation field.
  • There will not necessarily be an award in each category each year.
  • Normally, only reclamation projects completed or nearly completed within the last twelve months should be considered.

NOMINATING ENTITIES: U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Forest Service; Nevada Division of Minerals; Nevada Division of Environmental Protection; and Nevada Division of Wildlife.

SELECTION COMMITTEE: U.S. Bureau of Land Management with representatives from the Nevada State Office; U.S. Forest Service; Nevada Division of Minerals; Nevada Division of Environmental Protection; and Nevada Division of Wildlife.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The criteria are meant as a guide for nominations. Nominations should address some or all the criteria, as the individual case many warrant.

  1. Erosion Control - Project exhibits excellence in erosion control by limiting surface soil movement, directing over-surface water, optimizing soil/material stability and/or any other erosion control method.
  2. Aesthetic Quality - Project exhibits excellence in visual qualities by enhancing the surrounding natural appearing landscape based on the visual dominance elements of form, line, color, and texture.
  3. Stabilization - Project exhibits excellence as it no longer exhibits a potential to adversely impact public safety or the environment, and is resistant to chemical change or physical disintegration.
  4. Toxic Waste Control - Project exhibits excellence in eliminating the escape of toxic wastes from the project site. Material with the potential for generating toxic by-products are treated or stockpiled to reduce this risk.
  5. Revegetation - Project exhibits excellence as vegetation established on the land disturbed by an exploration project or mining operation exceeds the reclamation plan criteria or comparable vegetative cover on an adjacent similar site.
  6. Shaping - Project exhibits excellence in blending with the natural landforms.
  7. Wildlife Habitat Improvement - Project exhibits excellence by improving and/or enhancing vegetative cover and/or forage for the benefit of wildlife species.
  8. Post Mine Land Use Being Met - Project exhibits excellence when use of the reclaimed area supports activities or uses which are beneficial to the citizens of the state of Nevada or owner of the land.
  9. Water Quality - Project exhibits excellence when quality of the subsurface and/or surface water is improved.
  10. Riparian Area Protection Enhancement - Project exhibits excellence when existing riparian areas are improved in quality and quantity and/or new riparian areas are established.
  11. Agency Cooperation and/or Coordination - Project exhibits excellence in reclamation due to cooperation and/or coordination with State or Federal agencies which is above and beyond normal working relationships.

MEDIA COVERAGE AND AWARD COSTS: Agencies will bear costs of awards. Agencies will coordinate on media coverage.

AWARD:
Title: Nevada Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award
What: Plaque for recipients bears the outline of the State of Nevada and has the logos for the USFS, US BLM, and State with state agencies listed by name. The category and specific remarks will be inscribed on the plaque.

Hard hat sticker for all mine site personnel with Excellence in Mining Reclamation and the year printed on it.

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