Comments on proposed 21-year mine will be accepted for 30 days
GRANTS, N.M. – The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment as it begins preparing an environmental impact statement for the proposed Roca Honda uranium mine near Grants.
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands announced Thursday, Sept. 11, that it submitted a notice of intent for publication in the Federal Register.
This begins a 30-day public-comment period on the mine proposal, issues that should be examined during the environmental review, and anticipated permits and authorizations.
The proposal calls for the development, operation and reclamation of an underground uranium mine on National Forest System lands near Jesus Mesa in the Mount Taylor Ranger District.
According to the Forest Service, the project is expected to last approximately 21 years.
The agency said uranium produced by the mine would contribute to the domestic supply used in energy production, technology and scientific research. The Forest Service also said the project supports Trump administration policies intended to increase domestic production of uranium and other critical minerals.
The Roca Honda Mine Project is designated as a FAST-41 Transparency Project under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.
The Forest Service is asking commenters to address the proposed action, substantive issues that should be analyzed and permits or other authorizations that may be required.
Comments may be submitted electronically at:
https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=301824
The Forest Service said electronic comments are preferred.
Written comments may be mailed to Heidi McRoberts, forest supervisor, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, 2113 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.
Mailed submissions should include “Roca Honda Mine Project” in the subject line.
The Forest Service said comments will be accepted for 30 days. The announcement did not provide a specific closing date. Readers should consult the Federal Register notice or Forest Service project website for the official deadline.
The public will have another opportunity to comment when the draft environmental impact statement is released, according to the agency.