Release Date:  03/01/10            
Contacts:                         Kirk Laird             , 775-753-0200             , klaird@nv.blm.gov
            News Release No. 2010-15

BLM Completes Environmental Assessment For Meridian Minerals Clover Exploration Project
Elko, Nev.--The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tuscarora Field Office recently completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Meridian Minerals’ Clover Exploration Project. The proposed project would be located approximately ten miles southwest of Midas, NV. The EA is available for review and comment until March 31, 2010.

The Clover Exploration project includes 49 drill holes and access roads creating 15.87 acres of disturbance in the first phase of exploration. Initial work is planned for summer 2010. Favorable results may lead to exploration drilling on an additional 105 acres within the project area.

Meridian Minerals completed a Noxious Weed Prevention and Control Plan in conjunction with the proposed project. In addition, a Programmatic Agreement among the BLM, Meridian Minerals, and the Nevada State Historical Preservation Office, will address the handling of cultural resources should any be identified within the project area. Other issues analyzed in the EA include the disturbance to wildlife habitat and grazing operations.

The EA is posted on the Elko BLM website at www.blm.gov/nv. Click the Elko District on the map. The EA can be found under Links of Interest on the same page. Paper copies and CDs are available at the Elko District Office, 3900 E. Idaho Street in Elko. Comments will be reviewed and, when appropriate, changes will be made to the EA. Subsequently the Tuscarora Field Office will determine if a Finding of No Significant Impact is warranted and will issue a Decision based on that determination.

For questions or information about the Clover Exploration Project or the related EA, call Kirk Laird at 775-753-0200, or email: klaird@nv.blm.gov.