Reno Gazette Journal 4-27-10

Final environmental study issued for Round Mountain expansion

ROUND MOUNTAIN, Nev. (AP) — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has released a final environmental impact statement for the Round Mountain Gold Corp. expansion project.

The undertaking includes the Gold Hill Project.

Randy Burggraff, the acting general manager for the mine in Nye County called the release of the EIS a major milestone.

The mine is operated by 50 percent owner Kinross Gold Corp. Barrick Gold of North America owns the other half.

The final EIS is now up for 30 days of review.

Burggraff says he hopes the BLM’s record of decision will be issued around June 1. It could clear the way for the mine to start expanding the Round Mountain open pit by moving out and going deeper.

Burggraff says development of the Gold Hill surface mine is still about 18 months out.