What is the CuMo Exploration Project?
Idaho Copper, a new “shell company” for the Canadian mining company MultiMet, is proposing to construct over 8 miles of new roads and clear 122 drill pads with up to 250 drill holes in the Boise River headwaters near Grimes Creek for a mining exploration project.
The company hopes that the CuMo 2023 Exploration Project will lead to development of one of the largest open-pit copper and molybdenum mines in the world. If developed, this mine would create billions of tons of potentially toxic mine waste. Pollution from the project could flow into Grimes Creek, Mores Creek, through Lucky Peak Reservoir and down the Boise River through the Treasure Valley.
Why should I comment?
As a citizen—a member of the public for which public lands are reserved—you have valuable insights about places and resources that matter to you, and how federal actions might affect them. This is your chance to share that information with the US Forest Service (USFS) so that they can review the public’s opinions and local expertise, which will then be incorporated into planning.
The Boise River is the lifeblood of the Treasure Valley. It not only provides us with key resources, but also provides us with endless opportunities to enjoy nature and get outside, and makes the Treasure Valley a great place to live. Now, the Boise River needs us— it is time to speak up for our beloved river and its headwaters, and all it provides for us.
What should I say in a comment? What talking points can I bring up with USFS?
- The Boise River watershed provides approximately 30 percent of Boise’s drinking water supply and helps irrigate over 300,000 acres of farmland. This endeavor places the Boise River watershed at unacceptable risk.
- Exploration of the area involves the transportation of diesel fuel on narrow riverside roads, new road construction, and 24/7 drilling operations, which would have negative effects on water quality, recreation, public safety, and wildlife.
- The Forest Service needs to take a closer look at how surrounding communities and recreationists will be affected by increased dust, noise and traffic and exploration activities.
- Nearly 9 miles of temporary roads are proposed for the project, yet exact road locations remain unknown. The same holds true for the vast majority of the proposed drilling pads.
- The proposed exploration would be results-driven, so the exact locations of new temporary roads, drill sites, and drill holes would be progressively identified based on the results from prior holes drilled, without consideration to the environmental impact of these subsequent roads, sites, and drill holes.
- Sacajawea’s bitterroot is a plant endemic to Idaho, meaning it only exists in Idaho. So far, Sacajawea’s bitterroot is found on 58.3 acres of the project area, representing a range of 37-52% of all reported species individuals! The project area is the stronghold for this Region 4 Sensitive plant, but just over 8 miles of the proposed temporary roads have not been subjected to intensive surveys to identify the rare plant, which grows and blooms from June 1 to July 20th. The Forest Service should fully inventory these areas prior to approving any ground disturbing activities.
- Increased traffic to this region threatens the introduction on non-native (potentially invasive) species. “The risk of exposure to non-native plant species infesting new areas and leading to a decrease in vegetation community integrity and resilience is high,” Botanical Specialists Report, p. 21”
Speak up for the Boise River and its headwaters TODAY by taking action below!