October 23, 2025 - Final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record Signed
The BLM has approved the updated Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) in support of Doe Run’s previously approved application (July 24, 2025) to renew their 36 existing leases with the BLM for federal hardrock minerals in the Viburnum Trend. The MPO provides details regarding the current operational activities and potential exploration activities for the foreseeable future for the Viburnum Trend operations. The MPO describes no fundamental changes to the locations, methods, or volume of mining or exploration activities by Doe Run and provides a more comprehensive and unified description of Doe Run’s activities than past plans of operation.
The final Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), Decision Record (DR), and instructions for filing an appeal of the BLM decision, can be found by clicking on the "Documents" link on the left side of this webpage.
September 2, 2025 - Public Comment Period Closes
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July 24, 2025 - Release of Draft Environmental Assessment for Public Comment
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a draft environmental analysis of a proposed Mine Plan of Operations associated with existing hardrock leases for the continued operations of five mines within the Mark Twain National Forest in southeastern Missouri. The mines, operated by Doe Run, produce lead, zinc, and copper that are used in a wide variety of applications such as car batteries, electrical wiring, and galvanized steel. In cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the BLM prepared the draft environmental assessment to analyze an updated mine plan that guides federal mineral extraction in Crawford, Dent, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, Shannon, and Washington counties. The revised mine plan provides a comprehensive description of Doe Run’s operations, from exploration and mining to processing and tailings disposal. It also evaluates potential mitigation or stipulations to Doe Run’s existing leases.
The release of the proposed mine plan follows a recent BLM decision to approve 36 lease renewals to continue domestic mining operations of the Doe Run mines for the next 10 years to meet global demand for the critical resources (see project webpage https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2039422/510). Doe Run has been mining for lead, copper, and zinc in the area for more than 50 years.
To view the draft environmental assessment, click "Documents" on the left side of this webpage.
To submit a public comment, click the green “Participate Now” button on the left side of this webpage. The BLM will accept comments until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on September 2, 2025. There will be no exceptions for late comments, please plan accordingly. Please note that the most useful public scoping comments are substantive comments that do one or more of the following:
1. Identify issues relevant to the proposed action;
2. Offer reasonable alternatives;
3. Propose the extent to which those issues and alternatives should be analyzed; or
4. Identify new technical or scientific information for the BLM to consider in the environmental analysis to be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Comments which contain only opinions or preferences, or comments that are essentially identical to other comments will not be specifically addressed in the environmental review process.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your public scoping comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
For media inquiries, contact Kristen Peters, Deputy State Director – Communications, Eastern States Office, [email protected] or (470) 716-5648
For non-media inquiries, contact Derek Strohl, Assistant District Manager - Minerals, Northeastern States District Office, [email protected] or (414) 297-4416
