Plan of Operations
A detailed plan required by BLM for mining operations that will cause more than 5 acres of surface disturbance on public lands.
Detailed Definition
A Plan of Operations is a detailed document required by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for mining operations on public lands that will cause surface disturbance exceeding 5 acres (or any disturbance within special management areas). It is governed by the Surface Management Regulations at 43 CFR 3809.
When required: - Mining operations causing more than 5 acres of surface disturbance - Any surface-disturbing operations in Areas of Critical Environmental Concern - Operations in wilderness study areas or other specially managed areas - Operations requiring road construction or significant infrastructure
Required contents: - Description of the proposed operation - Map showing the project area and disturbance footprint - Operating schedule and duration - Equipment and methods to be used - Environmental protection measures - Reclamation plan - Monitoring plan - Financial guarantee (reclamation bond)
Review process: 1. Operator submits Plan of Operations to BLM field office 2. BLM reviews for completeness 3. Environmental review (NEPA analysis -- EA or EIS) 4. Public comment period 5. BLM decision to approve, approve with modifications, or deny 6. Financial guarantee posted before operations begin
Comparison to Notice-level operations: - Notice: for operations causing 5 acres or less of disturbance - Plan of Operations: for operations exceeding 5 acres - Casual use: negligible disturbance, no filing required
Plans of Operations ensure that mining activities on public lands are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner with appropriate reclamation commitments.
Related Terms
Mining Claim
A parcel of land for which a claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract mineral resources.
BLM
The Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that administers public lands including mining claim filings and maintenance.
Casual Use
Mining activities that negligibly disturb public lands and do not require a Plan of Operations or Notice.
Reclamation
The process of restoring land disturbed by mining operations to meet applicable environmental standards.