BLM Approves Grassy Mountain Gold Mine near Vale
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, January 30th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
VALE — (Release from the Bureau of Land Management) The Bureau of Land Management has approved the Grassy Mountain gold and silver mine on 469 public acres near Vale in Malheur County. This project was directed by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to be included as a FAST-41 project in the interests of government transparency and in response to administration efforts to increase American mineral production.
The mine is expected to produce an average of 47,000 ounces of gold and 55,000 ounces of silver annually. The mine will also create about 200 local jobs, leading to $140 million in economic activity and $9 million per year in new tax revenue.
“Responsible mineral development is a key part of BLM’s efforts to unleash America’s affordable and reliable natural resources while ensuring natural, cultural, and historic resources are maintained for present and future use,” said Acting Vale District Manager Cassandra Andrews-Fleckenstein.
Paramount Gold Nevada may develop an underground mine, dedicated mill, associated storage, and some existing roads will be upgraded to access the operation. Construction and processing will occur over 10 years followed by four years of reclamation and 20 years of monitoring.
This project was the first to begin analysis through the modernized Department of the Interior National Environmental Policy Act review process established to meet Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy. State permitting for the project is being coordinated by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Additional information, including the environmental impact statement and frequently asked questions, is available at BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov.
