Mining companies no longer need to tell the government their plans for small operations

The Bureau of Land Management has removed a rule that required mining companies to submit plans for small-scale operations. This means companies can now start mining without government approval if their operations disturb less than five acres of land.

For decades, mining companies had to submit a plan of operations to the Bureau of Land Management even for small projects. This rule change removes a layer of oversight for these smaller operations. It makes it easier and faster for companies to begin mining without waiting for federal approval.