Newmont Mining Corp. and Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc. have won the annual Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards for 2009.
Newmont was recognized for the concurrent reclamation at its Woodruff Creek exploration project near Carlin in Elko County. Surface disturbances were reclaimed as soon as they no longer were needed, which reduced establishment of noxious weeds.
The company also was recognized for enhancement of wildlife at its Twin Creeks Mine near Golconda in Humboldt County. Two basins at the mine were reclaimed to allow groundwater to seep in and provide habitat for waterfowl.
Barrick was recognized for innovative design and planning for its project at its Betze-Post Mine in Eureka County. The company used an innovative software package to design stable and natural-looking landforms.
The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards are sponsored cooperatively by the Nevada divisions of minerals, environmental protection and wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service.
