Mining association recognizes organizations, BLM for environmental excellence

The Northwest Mining Association has honored the Nevada Mining Association, Nevada Division of Minerals, the Bureau of Land Management and Clark County with its Award for Environmental Excellence.

The award was presented during the Association's 106th annual meeting in Spokane, Wash. The award recognizes organizations for mining and reclamation activities that have demonstrated a high-level of commitment to the environment.

The Northwest Mining Association presented the award to the four groups for their work with the Nevada Abandoned Mine Backfill Program, which acts to permanently secure dangerous abandoned mines in Southern Nevada.

The Association initiated the project with the support of AngloGold North America, Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Cashman Equipment Co., Chemical Lime Co., Homestake Mining, Kennecott Minerals, Newmont Mining Co. and Placer Dome, America, which provided much of the funding for the project.

The Abandoned Mine Backfill Program began in 1999 in an effort to eliminate the potential threat abandoned mines pose to users of public lands, especially near the fast growing Las Vegas area.

The abandoned mine sites are the remnants of mining and prospecting that took place in Nevada during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when there were no laws requiring a mine to be secured once work was complete.