BLM closes American Flat site ahead of demolition

The Bureau of Land Management, Carson City District-Sierra Front Field Office, announces the temporary closure of public lands for public safety and to facilitate better management of the American Flat Mill and vicinity during demolition and reclamation activities. This closure is effective immediately and will remain until further notice. Preparation for the demolition has begun.

190 acres of public land surrounding the AFM site will be closed to public entry for the duration of planned demolition and reclamation activities. All public land closures will be lifted when those activities are complete, which is expected to take 24 months.

The American Flat Mill is located on public lands near Gold Hill, Nevada. The mill was built in 1922 to process local gold and silver ore utilizing cyanide vat leaching in what was then described as the largest concrete mill in the United States. Since abandonment in 1926, this seven-acre mill site has been used as a place to hold parties, post graffiti, and conduct paintball wars despite physical safety hazards from falling concrete, underground mill sumps filled with water, and holes in the concrete flooring.

The area of public land surrounding the American Flat Mill will be patrolled by BLM rangers and Storey County sheriff’s deputies to ensure that the closure area is maintained throughout the duration of demolition and reclamation activities at the site.

For further information, please call the Carson City BLM office at 775-885-6000.