On Sept. 19, the Forest Service published a draft decision, issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the massive CuMo Exploration Project. If this decision becomes final after the objection period, it would authorize a six-year mineral exploration effort, including 250 drill holes and 122 drill sites, all located at the headwaters of the Boise River Watershed.
The project has been promoted to investors as a potential site for one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. While Idahoans face the environmental consequences, international conglomerates will profit, all without paying royalties — thanks to the outdated 1872 Mining Law, which allows companies to exploit taxpayer-owned resources on public lands without compensating Americans.