Bureau of Land Management Contact:

For Release: March 22, 2005 Mary-Linda Ponticelli 202-452-5083

Peter Mali 202-452-5125

## BLM Accepting Nominations for Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is requesting nominations for the
2005 Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards. These
awards recognize solid mineral (non-coal) development operations that
embody the principles of sustainable development or represent
outstanding examples of reclamation or environmental stewardship.

These four non-monetary awards highlight some of the finest examples of
responsible mineral resource development. The awards illustrate the
principles of sustainable development without compromising the needs of
future generations. The awards program also helps to promote successful
ideas and practices that may be implemented at various locations
throughout the nation.

"These awards recognize companies and individuals who have shown
exceptional dedication to partnership, stewardship, and sustainable
development --- to being good neighbors in a growing and changing West,"
said BLM Director Kathleen Clarke. "In addition to the two existing
categories of awards, we're establishing two new categories this year: a
Small Operator Award and a Director's Award. Our agency looks forward to
receiving nominations that exemplify these practices," she added.

The four awards are the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, the
Hardrock Mineral Award for Community Outreach and Economic Security, the
Small Operator Award, and the Director's Award.

-   The Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award recognizes efforts in
    environmental stewardship. This category recognizes achievements
    demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or
    exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with
    minimal oversight.

-   The Hardrock Mineral Award for Community Outreach and Economic
    Security recognizes projects that show concern for community
    responsibilities and the economic benefits of mineral development.
    This award recognizes successful coordination of projects with local
    and regional stakeholders. Projects that contribute to quality of
    life or show concern for a community's long-term health are also
    eligible.

-   The Small Operator Award recognizes efforts in environmental
    stewardship of operators with fewer than 15 employees. Similar to
    the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, this award recognizes
    achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to
    successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation
    requirements with minimal oversight.

-   The Director's Award is for outstanding achievement in a particular
    area of sustainable development. This year, the award will recognize
    an operator whose dedication and commitment to excellence has
    resulted in the use of a new or innovative design or technique that
    allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging
    conditions or in critical environmental settings.

Mining companies, regulatory authorities, geologists, and members of the
general public may submit nominations for the awards. Nominators can
find detailed information on the nomination and selection processes,
including the required format for nominations on the BLM Website at
www.blm.gov. Nomination forms must be received by April 20, 2005, in the
BLM State Office (Attention: Solid Minerals) that has jurisdiction for
the public lands in the State where the operation is located.
Presentation of awards is scheduled for September 20, 2005, in
Washington, D.C.

The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more
land --- 261 million surface acres --- than any other Federal agency.
Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including
Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about \$1.9 billion, also
administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout
the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and
productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present
and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such
activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral
development, and energy production, and by conserving natural,
historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands.

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Link to Call for Nominations Here