The learning process... permits

        This could well be titled, “What we have learned about permitting a mine.” 

        We hosted a pre-inspection for the Department of Energy and Natural Resources at our Iron Creek claim as part of the small-scale mine permit process.

        Before we get into that, we’ve started noticing red-top Ponderosa Pine on the fringes of Iron Creek.  The infestation of the Pine Bark Beetle has us concerned for the Northern Hills, as well as Central and Southern Hills.




Roberta documents flora
and fauna for identifcation.

 

        First let us state that we are very impressed by the professional and friendly approach given to this process.  Roberta Hudson, despite suffering from allergies, spent about three hours walking the proposed disturbance area.  She encourages as many questions as we might have and answered them with well-thought out answers.

        I guess the thing I would stress most about applying for a permit is to address every article in the permitting process whether or not it applies to your situation!   The majority of the revisions we are making are just that… i.e.: We will use no chemicals in this mining operation, etc. etc.

        Secondly, every statement made regarding an agency of any sort must be accompanied by a supporting document.  For example:  Lawrence County, S.D., does not require a Conditional Use Permit for mining on U.S. Forest Service property.  A letter must accompany the permit from Lawrence County Planning & Zoning stating that fact.

        These are a couple examples of how thorough the permitting process has become.  Before we curse the “establishment” though, you might want to remember that each of these precautions has a precedence that established the rule.

        I often liken the legal process to a common user’s manual for anything you purchase.  First you have to page through 10 pages of WARNING before you can begin use or assembly!  Why is that?  I often have to stop, take a deep breath and remember that some fool used their electric razor in the shower and sued the company because they received a shock!

        Last but not least, the Terrain Navigator Pro program for mapping is very helpful, dropping out or adding boundaries and markers as needed.  Bob does an excellent job mapping, but the features of the program make the entire process much more user friendly.

        The tenps were in the 90s, the bugs were out in full force, but we enjoyed our walk-through, the feedback we received and stories told; thank you Roberta!