EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 2022
Volume 389
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR MINING ORGANIZATION BY SENDING IN YOUR DUES FOR EOMA MEMBERSHIP
The information you need is on the last page of this newsletter.
FEBRUARY 4th , 2022 MEETING AT ELK CREEK ENTERPRISES
Many thanks to Alice Knapp for letting us continue to meet at the saw shop for meetings. We will have a meeting on FEBRUARY 4th, 2022 at the Elk Creek Enterprises saw shop located at 890 Elm Street in Baker City. The Board Meeting will begin at 6:00 PM with the general meeting following at 6:30 PM. Don’t forget, we will give away a 1 oz. silver medallion at the end of the meeting. Come to the meeting, bring your suggestions, and support EOMA.
EOMA MEMBERSHIP DUES WERE DUE JANUARY 1ST
If you can’t pay in person, please send your $35 dues ($40 for a family) to the EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City OR 97814. You should also be able to pay with a credit card or pay pal on our website. www.h2oaccess.com If you have trouble making the website work for you, please contact Ken Alexander. The EOMA will be going all out in this important election cycle to try and elect responsible people that realize the importance of minerals to the well-being of our country.
EOMA ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP MARCH 4th, 2022
EOMA Executive Committee members serve one-year terms. Board of Directors members serve two-year terms, with half the Board members running for election alternate years. You must be a paid-up member to vote or hold office. A ballot is included in this newsletter for those who are unable to attend the March meeting. Be sure your ballot is returned to EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City OR 97814 before the March 4th meeting. Your support is critical to the coming year.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE-
I hope the last-minute cancellation of the January meeting did not cause too many problems or hardships on our members. You may have heard that Jan Alexander slipped and broke her hip/femur on January 2nd. Your president was pretty much overwhelmed by the circumstances, along with goat birthing duties, as well as all the other responsibilities that Jan ordinarily handles. Our vice-president and our executive director were unavailable to cover the meeting. The cancellation of the January meeting interrupted the normal election process. Not a good start for 2022. There is an election ballot in this newsletter, and, barring any extra-ordinary circumstances, we will be making the ballot count at the March meeting as usual. As you can tell from the actions of the present administration, developing mineral resources is a constant struggle. The EOMA will be working hard in the coming year to try and elect leaders who understand the value of developing our minerals and natural resources.
LITHIUM PRICES ARE AT AN ALL TIME HIGH -Bloomberg news
Lithium prices are continuing their breakneck ascent in China, with surging electric-vehicle sales underpinning a fivefold gain over the past year.Image Chinese lithium carbonate prices tracked by Asian Metal Inc. rose to a fresh record on Monday, as data showed a 35% month-on-month jump in electric-vehicle registrations in December.
Nearly 400,000 EVs were registered during the month, according to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center. Tesla Inc. supplied about 18% of the total. The sales figures offer the latest evidence that the electric-vehicle revolution is now arriving in full force, fueling sharp gains in the shares of carmakers and mining equities alike. Ganfeng Lithium Co., which signed a long-term supply deal with Tesla in November, said its profits for 2021 will be up as much as 437%, fueled by the “fast development” of the EV industry.
A WILD RIDE OF PAPER DOLLARS CHASING VALUE- Ken Alexander
There are many competing ideas about what is actually going to retain value in the future. The world’s top gold ETF, bullion-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Shares, on Friday recorded its biggest net inflow in dollar terms since listing in 2004 — worth $1.63 billion. There are trillions of dollars floating around the world in the hands of people who already have more money than they need to meet basic needs. This means there are a lot of people with paper dollars looking to find investments that will preserve their newfound paper wealth.
There are a lot of options. Stocks, bonds, land, houses, computer coins, etc. all are seeing large fluctuations in how many paper dollars have to be traded in order to claim ownership of something that might or might not maintain or increase value in the future.
As we have been reminded many times by EOMA member Ken Anderson, “true wealth comes out of the ground. If it isn’t grown, it must be mined.”
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION KILLS MINNESOTA COPPER PROJECT- Reuters
The U.S. Department of the Interior canceled two mineral leases for Antofagasta Plc’s proposed Twin Metals copper and nickel mine in Minnesota on Wednesday, effectively killing the project and handing a major win to environmentalists. ImageThe decision shows President Joe Biden’s administration is increasingly comfortable prioritizing domestic conservation efforts even as demand for minerals used to build electric vehicles rises amid efforts to combat climate change.
The leases for the proposed mine in northern Minnesota had first been pulled by then-President Barack Obama’s administration in 2016. But President Donald Trump’s administration reversed that decision. Biden officials on Wednesday said Trump erred in giving the leases back.
“We found the leases were improperly renewed in violation of applicable statutes and regulations, and we are taking action to cancel them,” said U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, adding that her department has a responsibility to “ensure that no lessee receives special treatment,” though she did not elaborate. For more information go to: https://www.mining.com/web/biden-administration-kills-antofagastas-minnesota-copper-project/?utm_source=Daily_Digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MNG-DIGESTS&utm_content=biden-administration-kills-antofagastas-minnesota-copper-project
INDUSTRIAL METALS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND- mining.com
Last year saw inflation hit 30-year highs as the world’s reopening resulted in unprecedented demand for base metals and metals used for electric vehicle production.
Essential materials for electric vehicle (EV) battery production like lithium and cobalt were among the top performers as EV sales continued to grow in 2021.
Magnesium was another top performer last year, as skyrocketing coal prices impacted the metal, which uses coal as part of the feedstock in the smelting process. In addition, concerns over production suspensions in China for environmental reasons spurred magnesium prices further amidst potential shortage fears.
As the world focused on securing the necessary raw materials for the clean energy transition, gold and silver lagged behind. Although both precious metals wavered as stores of value, returning -3.5% and -11.5% respectively, bullion sales from the U.S. mint rose by 48.4% compared to 2020. Despite gold’s underwhelming performance while equities, cryptocurrencies, and other commodities surged, upcoming forecasted rate hikes have historically spurred reversals for the precious metal. For an interesting infographic check out: https://www.mining.com/web/chart-how-metals-prices-performed-in-2021/
THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT -AEMA
As previously reported, AEMA has been fully engaged in the budget reconciliation process, more commonly known as the Build Back Better Act. Working with our allies, we were successful in getting several punitive provisions removed prior to the passage of the House version of the bill.
Of the two principal onerous provisions remaining for the hardrock mining industry, the latest draft from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (leaked this month) removed the section requiring new regulations to prevent “undue degradation,” which would change the FLPMA standard to give the Secretary of the Interior unfettered mine veto authority. That leaves the withdrawal section, mandating that the Secretary of the Interior withdraw lands from mineral entry and for the first time giving the Secretary authority to permanently withdraw lands as the focus of our advocacy efforts.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHIEF ANDREA DELGADO-USDA
Andrea Delgado was named Chief of Staff for Natural Resources and Environment. Delgado most recently served as the Government Affairs Director at the United Farm Workers Foundation, where she developed and implemented legislative and administrative strategies aimed at improving living and working conditions for agricultural workers across the country. Previously, Delgado held roles of Legislative Director for the Healthy Communities Program and Senior Legislative Representative at Earthjustice. She also spent time as a policy fellow with the National Latino Coalition on Climate Change. Delgado received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo.
PLUGGED SUCTION SCREEN ON YOUR PUMP? -Ken Alexander
Here is one possible solution for the small-scale miner. Anyone who has a mining claim on ground near coniferous trees knows the problem one has dealing with the needles from the trees plugging up your suction screen on the pump you use to recycle the water in your settling pond. Pre-screening doesn’t work very well since needles tend to go through screens end on, and then are determined to turn sideways to plug your pump screen.
We have found one solution that works well for us. First, we drill a small hole big enough to put our anchor rope through the bottom of a five-gallon bucket. Then we put a 2-inch-thick circular piece of beadboard that fits inside the bottom of the five-gallon bucket. Put the anchor rope through the hole in the bottom of the bucket and tie the anchor rope to the pump suction hose screen, we draw the suction hose screen up inside the bucket to the bottom of the bucket and tie it in place. Throw the contraption into the pond, and the bucket floats upside down with the suction intake inside the bucket. This has worked well for us to keep the suction intake screen mostly free of plugging, especially if you give the anchor rope a few tugs when the pump is off, while you’re removing the gold from your sluice box.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
EOMA SILVER MEDALLIONS FOR SALE
EOMA still has silver medallions available. They are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $10.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change).
You can order your medallion from the EOMA website and pay by pay-pal. Or, you can send $50 plus $10.00 shipping and handling to EOMA, Medallions, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814, or call 541-310-8510. Also, you can buy them at our EOMA meetings.
4-CONTIGUOUS PLACER MINING CLAIMS (80 ACRES TOTAL)
These claims are located in the Granite area on Bullrun and Swamp Creeks. A 10-year Plan of Operation is in place with the U.S. Forest Service (expires 10/31/2031). Access is via the paved County Road. Process ponds are in place, assays show silver and REEs in addition to values in gold. Contact Dan Brown at danbrown@eoni.com. $12,500 OBO.
NINE UNPATENTED PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
These claims are in the Greenhorn Mining District, adjacent to the Parkerville and the Bonanza patented properties. Geiser Bowl- 60 acres, PW #1- 80 acres, PW #6 -100 acres, Black Beauty- 100 acres, Blue Mt Channel #3-100 acres, Carranza-80 acres, Dottie Two-80 acres, Mart Jones-60 acres, Wizzer-80 acres.
Contact LaRayn Rose for list prices, and of course, any reasonable offer will be considered especially for multiple claim purchases. (503) 317-6914
FOR SALE EARTH MAGNETOMETER
This magnetometer measures the amount of magnetics in the ground, such as magnetite. Since magnetite is associated with gold, the magnetometer can help greatly with prospecting, since it will show you the amount of magnetite that may well be associated with gold in the ground. The more magnetite, the more gold. $400 or cash $350. Call Chuck Chase, 541-310-8510.
PUMPS FOR SALE
Two water pumps with belt driven clutch system (heavy duty) driven by a 2-cylinder Wisconsin gas engine for $250.
Also, a 5" intake 7" discharge Fairbanks and Morse high pressure pump. Driven by a 30 HP 3 phase electric motor for $450. Call Ken Anderson at 541-523-2521 or 541-519- 9497
WANTED-SMALL HARDROCK MILL
I need a jaw crusher or small hammer mill. Please call Pete at 541-910-9712 if you have one you want to sell.
WANTED-GOLD
Gold Specimens and Gold nuggets, mostly from Oregon mines. Fair prices paid. Also selling Gold nugget jewelry, specimens, nuggets and more. For an interesting and informative experience explore www.northernnevadagold.com . Call Robert 775-455-6470.
SUBSCRIBE TO MINING JOURNAL FOR UP TO DATE NEWS
ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal is your monthly source for news, legislation, how-to articles and more. A full year (12 issues) is still only $27.95; or get a print and an online subscription for just $31.95, and get access to our last 16 years of articles online too. Published monthly since 1931. Visit us at www.icmj.com or call at (831) 479-1500 to get your subscription.
ACTION MINING SERVICES, INC.
AMS is selling out all assay supplies, screens, chemicals and labware! Call for quote and mention this ad for 35% off! Assay supplies, concentrators, impact mills, technical books (for the beginner to the advanced mill man), & more! Call for our free catalog or visit us online! Check out their website for information on wave tables. Want to pick up an order in Plains Montana? We have moved to Plains, Montana…. please call 406.826.9330 to place the order. This way our staff can have it pulled and ready for pick up. Otherwise, we can always ship your order! sales@actionmining.com • www.actionmining.com
AMERICAN EXPLORATION & MINING
A lot of information in this newsletter was obtained from the American Exploration & Mining Association newsletter. To stay up to date on mining issues, you can become a member of AEMA.
by going to their website at https://www.miningamerica.org/
THE OREGON CONCRETE AND AGGREGATE ASSOCIATION
EOMA is a member of OCAPA. This is undoubtedly the largest type of mining in Oregon. They have a very interesting and informative website that also may be of interest to metal miners. They keep track of the bills introduced in Oregon’s legislature that may affect all mining in Oregon.
It will be necessary to remind the Oregon legislators, who mainly come from the Willamette Valley, that not all of Oregon has a moderate climate. A bill such as SB 715 which mandates higher percentages of biodiesel doesn’t work for the people who live and work at higher elevations.
Check out their website: https://www.ocapa.net
SEND YOUR NEWSLETTER ITEMS
If you have informative or interesting articles about mining items to share in the newsletter, send them to Ken Alexander alxk@ortelco.net, or Chuck Chase CHASE3285@msn.com, or Jan Alexander alx@ortelco.net. Be sure to indicate the source of the information you send.
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