Underground mining will continue beneath 35,000+ acres in southeastern Missouri.
The Bureau of Land Management approved 36 lease renewals for the continued operation of five active mines within the Mark Twain National Forest in southeastern Missouri. The mines, operated by the Doe Run Resources Corporation, produce lead, zinc, and copper used in a wide variety of applications such as car batteries, electrical wiring, and galvanized steel.
Doe Run’s operations are expected to generate millions of dollars in federal revenue over the life of the leases through royalties, fees, and associated economic activity. Additionally, federal mineral development provides revenue sharing, with 25% of the royalties returning to the State of Missouri.
“This decision reflects the BLM’s commitment to strengthen the domestic mineral supply while supporting jobs and local economies,” said BLM Northeastern States District Manager Pamela Mathis. “Renewing Doe Run’s leases ensures ongoing exploration and production of federal minerals in one of the world’s largest lead mining districts.”
Doe Run has been mining in the area for more than 50 years. The renewed leases will continue domestic mining operations for the next 10 years to meet global demand for the critical resources. The BLM is authorized to lease these federal minerals under the Mineral Leasing Act. The bureau last renewed the leases in 2015.
The BLM decided to renew the leases in close cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. This action aligns with Executive Order 14241 “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.”
For more information about the BLM’s decision on the lease renewals, please visit the BLM National NEPA Register.
This press release was originally published at www.blm.gov.
