I-M Project Permitting
Nevada County Use Permit
In November 2019, Rise submitted an application for a Use Permit to Nevada County to allow the reopening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine. On December 16th 2022, Nevada County released a much anticipated and highly favorable independent Final Environmental Impact Report. The report is a major milestone in the permitting process. (Link to Press Release)
Remaining Milestones to Approval:
- County decisionmakers review the Final EIR and consider approval of the Use Permit and Reclamation Plan at public hearings.
Privately owned mineral rights
The Idaho-Maryland has been dormant for over 60 years awaiting the time when it’s reopening would again be possible. Most of the surface lands of the mine were severed and sold allowing for the growth and development of the local economy. An agreement was made, and continues with all successors, that the Idaho-Maryland retains ownership of all minerals and all necessary and convenient rights to extract them, excepting the right of entry to the surface land.
Mining is Allowed Use
The IM Mine Property is 100% owned by the Company and located on private land in Nevada County, California. As a result, the Project is subject to the Nevada County Land Use and Development Code. Subsurface mining and aboveground processing is an allowed use subject to County approval of a Use Permit. The Company will also be required to obtain approval of a Reclamation Plan, variance, and rezone from the County for any surface component of the underground mining operation before mining operations can commence. Construction and operational permits would follow as needed.
Strong Public Support
A recent survey of Nevada County conducted by J. Wallin Opinion Research demonstrates strong local support for re-opening the Idaho-Maryland Mine. A majority (59%) of respondents support the re-opening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine with only 34% of respondents opposed. Majority support for the project is consistent across all of the County’s five districts.