News Brief: Mine that Threatened Jarbidge Bull Trout Canceled

Australian mining company Newcrest Mining Limited has announced that it has terminated its gold mining operations in the Jarbidge River drainage of northeastern Nevada upon the results of initial explorations.

The East and West Forks of the Jarbidge River are home to both native redband rainbow trout and the federally endangered native bull trout. The mine was controversial due to its potential impact on these bull trout, which is the species' southernmost population and are genetically isolated due to downstream barriers. The Jarbidge eventually flows into the Bruneau and Snake rivers.

Both forks flow through deep and remote whitewater canyons are considered pristine flowages. Over 30 miles of the mainstem Jarbidge River in southern Idaho is protected as a Wild and Scenic River. Newcrest has said it will perform reclamation projects on the areas affected by the exploratory drilling.

“It is great news for the river, its fish, and downstream river users that Newcrest has decided to end their drilling program and will conduct reclamation this season while also adhering to the requirements in our objection resolution,” Idaho Rivers United said in a statement.