Two American Mining Projects Honored for Environmental Excellence

The American Exploration & Mining Association’s (AEMA) honored two American mining projects with Environmental Excellence awards at the 121^st Annual Meeting last week in Spokane, WA.  Rio Tinto’s Legacy Management Group was recognized for their outstanding work in reclaiming the historic Holden Mine Site in Holden Village, WA, and Midas Gold Corp. was recognized for voluntarily reclaiming pre-existing disturbance, improving water quality and restoring fish habitat at its Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho.

Laura Skaer, AEMA Executive Director said “AEMA annually recognizes stand out projects like Rio Tinto’s Holden Mine project and Midas Gold’s Stibnite Gold Project. They emulate the mining industry’s commitment to sustainable mining practices, environmental stewardship and community care.”

Both projects were undertaken, implementing state of the art reclamation techniques to improve fish habitat and protect air and water quality, all while keeping the environment, sustainability and the surrounding community in mind.

Holden Mine Cleanup Project Manager Dave Cline said, “Rio Tinto’s goal is to complete the remediation of past environmental problems at the old Holden Mine site safely, cost-effectively, and in a way that creates a sustainable socioeconomic future for Holden Village and other nearby communities. With the construction of a water treatment plant at the site and on-going environmental monitoring, Rio Tinto is committed to the project for the long term. We are honored to receive this award and appreciate AEMA’s recognition of our efforts.”

The Annual Meeting is the second largest annual mining convention in the U.S., it featured 242 exhibitors, a core shack, over 30 short course and technical sessions, and two field trips to area mines, bringing more than 1,700 people to Spokane, WA.

American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) is a 121-year old, 2,100 member national association representing the minerals industry with members residing in 42 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces or territories, and 10 other countries. AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, and maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration to reclamation and closure.