Salmon-Challis supervisor takes steps to protect cobalt

Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor Charles Mark has removed two areas of the forest from further consideration for future wilderness consideration.

Mark said he was taking the action because of ongoing and expected cobalt exploration and production in the Blackbird Mountain and Leacock Point areas.

The supervisor said wilderness evaluation and recommendation is not optional under the forest plan revision process. But, after meeting with stakeholders in a public hearing last week, Mark said he decided the two areas include the only cobalt belt in the United States.

Previous exploration indicates they are “proven areas” with high confidence of profitable deposits of cobalt.

The strategic importance of cobalt is recognized with the inclusion of the Special Mining Management Zone on the northern end of the cobalt belt in the Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980. Mark says that will allow for exploration within that wilderness for cobalt and associated minerals.

Cobalt is also listed on an executive order as a critical mineral.

According to Mark, nine companies hold mining claims and are actively engaged or pursuing cobalt exploration and production on the forest. Four companies have submitted operations plans.