Annual Report 3 - New Mexico - Energy, Minerals and Natural ...

webpage continuosly improved based on feedback, and it is now possible to track projects by their status or county
and to download project documents.
MMD has also assisted the Bureau of Geology at New Mexico Tech in the development of a field conference and
an awards ceremony. Beginning in 2001, the Decision Makers Conference covers mining related issues throughout
New Mexico. These field-oriented conferences are designed to address a wide range of geologic, hydrologic, natural
resource, and environmental issues affecting the future of New Mexico and its citizens. Specifically targeted for a mix
of national, state, and local political leaders, agency heads, industry leaders, environmental leaders, and other decision
makers, the conferences provide an opportunity to learn first-hand about natural resource problems, opportunities,
and potential solutions from some of the top experts in the field. The Earth Science Achievement Awards are
presented annually to individuals who advance the role of earth sciences in public policy, education or industry in
New Mexico.
Expanding into more modern avenues of communication, MMD has taken advantage of video and multi-media
to provide other tools for outreach and education. In 2007, MMD created a 30-minute video on the dangers of
abandoned mines for use in public presentations and in schools. “Hidden Dangers: The Legacy of New Mexico’s
Abandoned Mines” also highlights New Mexico mining history and the types of closures MMD uses to safeguard
mines. We have since augmented this with shorter videos that can be found on YouTube, in an attempt to widen the
outreach to a larger audience.
MMD stresses the importance of a clear understanding of the permitting process for mining activities. Initially
developed in the mid-1990s, MMD updated the Permit Requirements Guidebook in 2008. The guidebook
summarizes permits issued by the State of New Mexico that are required for energy and mineral resource
exploration, development, production, and reclamation. MMD has also updated guidance documents that provide
details about the permitting process, such as the Environmental Evaluation Guidance Document for Part 6 New
Mining Operations. The purpose of this guidance is to provide a framework for compliance with the New Mexico
Mining Act Rules regarding the Environmental Evaluation (EE) required in 19.10.6 NMAC (Part 6).
Since the late 1980s, the New Mexico Coal Mine Reclamation Program has required coal mine permittees to survey
raptor distribution and productivity as part of the conditions of their coal mine permits. These biological surveys
provide a unique long-term data set on raptor nesting habitats. The recently published Raptors of New Mexico offers
a comprehensive treatment of all raptors that breed, winter or migrate in New Mexico. Raptor survey data collected
for the McKinley, San Juan and Navajo coal mine permits were referenced in this new book. At the McKinley Mine,
near Gallup, raptors are monitored within the mine lease area and a two-mile buffer zone outside the mine lease. In
Farmington, yearly raptor distribution surveys are conducted at the San Juan Coal Mine. Summer and winter wildlife
surveys are also conducted to monitor wildlife use of reclaimed areas. Raptor surveys are also conducted at the BHP
Billiton Navajo Mine, which is regulated by the Office of Surface Mining. Raptor species found on New Mexico and
Navajo Nation coal mine sites include: Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine
Falcon, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl and Burrowing Owl.
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