THE REGULATORY PROCESS
Path to Permitting
The NEPA Process
In early 2026, the Bureau of Land Management established a clear pathway for environmental review of the proposed DeLamar gold and silver mine under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The process is expected to begin with the publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the second quarter of 2026, followed by an approximately 15-month environmental review. The review will conclude with the release of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), anticipated in the third quarter of 2027.
Understanding NEPA & Permitting
Our goal is to make the federal permitting and environmental review process easier to understand by clearly outlining the agencies, approvals, and steps involved in advancing the DeLamar Project.
Click through the tabs in this section to learn more about NEPA, additional permits and approvals, and the FAST-41 permitting framework. Guided by our values of integrity, care, and innovation, we are committed to transparent communication throughout the permitting process.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed development projects such as mining operations. Through this process, agencies conduct an independent environmental review, analyze potential impacts and alternatives, and invite public comment before issuing a Record of Decision (ROD), which determines whether a project may proceed.
As part of this review, regulators will evaluate the proposed DeLamar Mine and prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is a comprehensive review of potential environmental effects and mitigation measures. A draft EIS will be released for public review and comment before the review is finalized.
Key Terms Related to NEPA
Notice of Intent (NOI) — Formal start of the NEPA environmental review process
NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) — Federal law requiring environmental review of major projects
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) — Federal agency leading the Project review process
Scoping — Public input period to identify issues and topics for study
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — Detailed study evaluating Project impacts and alternatives
Record of Decision (ROD) — Final federal decision on whether the Project may proceed
In addition to undergoing the NEPA process, the Project must obtain 16 additional federal, state, and county permits and approvals before the Mine Plan can move forward.
Required State and Federal Permits
Final Mine Plan of Operations – Bureau of Land Management
Historic Properties Treatment Plan – Bureau of Land Management, State Historic Preservation Office
Surface Rights Lease Agreement – Idaho Department of Lands
Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Construction General Permit – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Section 404 General Permit – United States Army Corps of Engineers
Idaho Department of Water Resources Stream Channel Alteration Permit – Idaho Department of Lands
401 Water Quality Certification – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Jurisdictional Waters/Wetlands Mitigation Implementation – United States Army Corps of Engineers
Reclamation Permit – Idaho Department of Lands
Point of Compliance – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Industrial Stormwater Permit – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Dam Safety Permit – Idaho Department of Water Resources
Cyanidation Permit – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Air Permit to Construct – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Air Operations Permit – Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
In January 2026, the DeLamar Heap Leach Project was selected to be included in the United States Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council FAST-41 Transparency Projects Program. The program is a federal permitting framework designed to improve interagency coordination and increase transparency.
Established under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act (known as “FAST-41”) in 2015, the Permitting Council consists of the Executive Director and Deputy Secretary level representatives from 13 federal agencies as well as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. The Permitting Council brings federal agencies and stakeholders together to improve the permitting process for critical infrastructure projects.
Key Benefits of the FAST-41 Program
Enhanced visibility and predictability: Agencies must develop and maintain a project-specific timetable for all required federal environmental review and permitting actions. Scheduled and actual timeframes for these actions are publicly displayed.
Improved coordination: Project sponsors will be assigned a dedicated project advisor from the Permitting Council, who will monitor the advancement of the Project while maintaining active engagement and coordination across federal agencies.
Increased accountability: The Permitting Council provides oversight to ensure that federal agencies adhere to established timetables, including quarterly reports to Congress detailing agency compliance with Transparency Projects.
Where the DeLamar Project Stands Today
From Dialogue to Decisions at DeLamar
Since 2018, the DeLamar Project team has actively engaged with local stakeholders and tracked and incorporated feedback throughout the development process.
Input from community members, local leaders, Tribal representatives, and other stakeholders has helped inform key stages of the Project, including exploration activities, technical studies, environmental planning, and the development of the mine plan submitted to regulatory agencies.
This ongoing dialogue has played an important role in shaping Project decisions, helping to identify local priorities, address concerns, and incorporate community perspectives into Project design. We communicate updates through ongoing community engagement to share how stakeholder feedback has been considered and incorporated, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the life of the Project.
How Stakeholder Feedback is Informing the Project
Your Voice Matters!
Share your feedback and help shape the DeLamar Project!
Interactive Project Tour
Click through the interactive map to explore the Project site, key features, and how the Project fits into the surrounding landscape.
of Study and Planning
in Exploration, Studies, and Engineering
Beneficiaries from 2023-2025
Since April 2021
















