BLM Celebrates Responsible Mining, Community Outreach, and Public Land Stewardship Award Winners

WASHINGTON -The Bureau of Land Management is recognizing hardrock mineral operators for their superior efforts toward Unleashing American Energy during the 18th annual Mineral Development Awards ceremony, hosted by the National Mining Association. These awards commend operators who have made exemplary contributions to the development of hardrock minerals.

"Hardrock minerals play a critical role in supporting America's energy security and economic strength, and the BLM is proud to recognize operators who show what responsible development on public lands looks like," said BLM Director Steve Pearce. "These operators restore the ground they work, invest in local communities, and help ensure domestic mineral production continues to benefit our nation. Their leadership reflects the balance we strive for every day: good stewardship, solid partnerships, and development that supports families and local economies."

Award winners were chosen in the following categories:

Hardrock Mineral Leadership Award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state, or local requirements with minimal oversight. The 2026 winner is Nevada Gold Mines for its reclamation efforts at the Rain Mine in Nevada.

Hardrock Mineral Community Outreach and Economic Security Award recognizes the successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders, including those projects that contribute to quality of life or demonstrate concern for the long-term health of the local community. The 2026 winner is Alaska Resource Education for its work in community outreach and education about the mining sector to the public.

Hardrock Mineral Small Operator Award recognizes operators or organizations with fewer than 15 employees who have demonstrated continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed federal, state, or local requirements with minimal oversight. The 2026 winner is Valdez Creek Mining for its removal of 230 tons of solid waste and derelict equipment left behind by previous operators in the areas at Valdez and White creeks in Alaska.

Mine Legacy Steward Award recognizes partnership activities that assist in addressing hardrock abandoned mine land features across the American West. The 2026 winner is American Gilsonite Company for its efforts in reclaiming legacy mining disturbance at the Cowboy Mine in Utah.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement also recognized two companies for their superior efforts with 2026 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards during the ceremony.

Hardrock minerals are nonfuel minerals- such as gold, copper, iron, gypsum, limestone, and salt- that are mined from solid rock formations rather than fluids or energy resources. Mining on BLM-managed public lands for materials not used for energy contributes nearly $14 billion annually to the U.S. economy. For additional information visit the BLM's solid minerals program website.