As a company with a workforce of more than 400 employees, many of whom live with their families in the communities where Molycorp operates, we know it is imperative to care for our shared environment, and we acknowledge that mining has an impact. We strive every day to keep the balance between our operations and our work to protect the environment. Our employees are dedicated to ensuring that our operations are safe and environmentally sound.
Recent Questa Projects
Goat Hill North
In 2003, Molycorp identified a potential risk associated with the stability of its on-site Goat Hill North rock pile. In response, Molycorp began to collaborate with the environmental agencies of the state of New Mexico, the Village of Questa and local environmental groups to conduct and review an extensive investigation into the stability of the pile. The collaboration produced a comprehensive mitigation plan that once approved by the State, was immediately implemented.
Throughout this investigation, design, and construction process, Molycorp actively worked with local agencies and other stakeholders to keep the community informed. Using a series of public meetings and media outreach, Molycorp was able to successfully provide relevant and timely information to the community. In addition, the coordination of this project with local and regional stakeholders led to improved relationships with key members of the community.
The goodwill generated through this collaborative effort allowed for a more successful outcome because of early agency acceptance and community support.
In addition, in September of 2005, Molycorp received the State of New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division Excellence in Reclamation Award for its successful mitigation of Goat Hill North. The award is presented annually to companies that have advanced reclamation techniques mitigating mining-related impacts on surface water, groundwater, wild life habitat, plants and soils.
Revegetation Test Plot Program
Molycorp worked with the environmental agencies in New Mexico as well as local environmental stakeholders to develop and implement its revegetation test plot program. The test plot program represents the company’s continued commitment to ensuring its mining operations remain environmentally responsible.
For several years, these groups have been working to design the various components of the program, including the use of different cover materials, plants and slopes. Together, a methodology was chosen and in late 2003, Molycorp began the revegetation work.
Over 20 acres of test plots were graded and planted using the most sophisticated of technologies in mine reclamation. Over the course of the next five to seven years, Molycorp and its team of experts will review the growth and use the successes as a means of developing future reclamation plans.
Recent Mountain Pass Projects
P-1 & P-16 Tailing Facilities Reclaimed
After several decades of deposition, Molycorp recently reclaimed both of its closed, on-site tailing facilities. With approval and oversight from San Bernardino County and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, the project commenced in early 2005 and was completed in early 2006.
Reclamation of the two facilities was done simultaneously and included extensive re-grading of both locations. For the 90 acre P-16, an engineered cover was placed over the re-graded topography to allow for continuous evaporation and then the area was planted with native vegetation.
P-1 reclamation was accomplished in much the same way, except a synthetic liner was used as the cover material, followed by a final layer of soil that was seeded with natural vegetation.
