Caldwell Canyon Mine proposal meeting set in Pocatello

The Idaho Falls District BLM has organized two public meetings to discuss the proposed Caldwell Canyon Mine. The plan would develop several phosphate leases that the company owns on Schmidt Ridge, just 13 miles east-northeast of Soda Springs.

We’re told that if approved the mine would sustain about 185 mining jobs and over 500 plant jobs for the next 40 years. The BLM also says it would provide the region with $49 million annually through annual payroll, taxes, royalties, purchases and sustaining support and service jobs.

The community is invited to come out and ask any questions they may have for this proposed plan. The company would use mining methods similar to those used at the Blackfoot Bridge Mine. This would call for an earthen cover to the mine which would protect water quality standards.