Public comment sought on gold mine expansion

ELKO - Federal land managers are seeking public comment concerning a proposal to expand a gold mine about 45 miles northwest of Elko.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has released the draft environmental impact statement for Barrick-Dee Mining Venture's Arturo Mine Project proposal to expand the Dee Gold Mine.

The proposed project would be located at the previously approved Dee Gold Mine site.

It would disturb about 2,774 acres of public land and provide an estimated 240 jobs. Plans call for about 10 years of mining and ore processing, followed by three years of site closure and reclamation.

The BLM's Elko District Office is accepting written comments through March 4.

A public meeting will be held Feb. 6 at the office.