NEPA Process Overview
Before construction at Rhyolite Ridge can begin, we must first obtain approval from the federal government under the rules of the National Environmental Policy Act, commonly known as the NEPA process.
Per the requirements of the NEPA process, Ioneer has to date:
- Completed baseline studies and associated field work for 14 different resource areas of Rhyolite Ridge Project (e.g., air quality, biology, cultural resources, groundwater, recreation, socioeconomics, soils, and rangeland).
- Submitted the required Plan of Operations (Plan), which includes measures to be implemented to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of public lands by operations authorized under the Mining Act (1872). It describes all aspects of the project including construction, operations, reclamation, and environmental protection measures.
PROCESS TIMELINE
Environmental stewardship is core to Ioneer’s mission. We are committed to investing time and resources into minimizing potential impacts of our Project to local flora and fauna. Under the NEPA process, the federal government assesses, reviews and approves Ioneer’s plans to mitigate any project impacts on the environment.
This approval will specify what Ioneer must undertake to comply with all relevant laws during operations, and our plan to close and reclaim the area once mining is complete.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS BEGIN?
In August 2020, Ioneer’s Plan of Operations was accepted by the BLM and was deemed complete. This Plan is the central NEPA permitting document for Rhyolite Ridge and will serve as the guiding document for compliance throughout operations and closure of the mine.
What’s Next?
Notice of Intent (NOI)
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will publish a NOI to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rhyolite Ridge project. BLM will then host public meetings to provide a description of the project and allow the public to have the opportunity to comment on the project.
Public Scoping Process
BLM will then host public meetings to provide a description of the project and allow the public to have the opportunity to comment on the project.
Draft EIS (DEIS)
After initial public comments are received and reviewed, the BLM will develop a DEIS that will describe any potential impacts to the environment and how Ioneer plans to offset or mitigate them.
Public Comment
Following issuance of the DEIS, the public will then be provided another opportunity to review and comment on it. The BLM will use these comments to either conduct further analysis of the plan which may require Ioneer to modify any mitigation plans.
Final EIS (FEIS)
After comments on the DEIS have been collected and reviewed, the BLM will publish a FEIS and draft Record of Decision (ROD).
Public Comment
Comments on the FEIS and ROD will be collected and reviewed by the BLM. Changes may be made in response to comments.
Issuance of ROD
The BLM will then issue a Record of Decision indicating acceptance of ioneer’s plan. The public is then provided with an opportunity to object to this decision and the BLM is required to respond and address any concerns raised. Once this process is complete and ioneer receives a final Record of Decision, the BLM can issue a final approved plan of operations.
Nevada Permits
In addition to the NEPA permitting process, Ioneer is required to receive permits from other authorities. Two key Nevada State permits are the Water Pollution Control Permit and the Class II Air Quality Permit.
Once necessary permits are received, construction of the Rhyolite Ridge project can proceed.