Results of Innovative Contracting and Reclamation Methods Used for the Fondaway Canyon Mine Closure Project, Fallon, Nevada

Abstract

This presentation provides an overview of the contracting and implementation processes used to close and reclaim the inactive Fondaway Canyon Mine. The closure and reclamation of the Fondaway Canyon Mine is now considered the “standard of reclamation” by the BLM in Nevada. The mine is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Fallon, Nevada on the western flank of the Stillwater Mountain Range. The site is subject to mining claims held by EPEC Minerals Company–Nevada, a subsidiary of El Paso Corporation, and has been inactive for over 10 years. The project was a medium-scale open-cut and underground gold and silver mining operation, with a heap leach pad and Merrill-Crow recovery plant. Golder’s scope was to identify current methods for the closure of all facilities, negotiate appropriate changes to the existing reclamation plan and permit, develop construction level designs, conduct a bidding process, and oversee the implementation of the reclamation plan. Golder developed innovative reclamation and erosion and sediment control methodologies for each mine disturbance feature, but they also developed an innovative incentive based contract to be used to align the Contractor’s goals with the owner’s in the hopes of achieving a better and less costly end product. This paper documents and analyzes the effectiveness of the approach taken for completion of the project. The project was nominated for an excellence in reclamation award by the State of Nevada, Department of Environmental Protection. Additional