AngloGold Ashanti recognizes the importance of protecting our planet. We are committed to promoting the health, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems and natural processes.
The ecosystems within the Beatty Mining District contain unique terrestrial and aquatic characteristics. The proposed project is located in the Mojave Desert, known for its harsh climate and extreme temperatures. Despite the harsh conditions, the Mojave Desert is home to diverse plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. Species residing in the Mojave have adapted to the extreme climate through a variety of physiological changes.
In addition to the terrestrial desert ecosystem, the Amargosa River intermittently flows through parts of southern Nevada. The Amargosa River is unique in that it flows underground for most of its length and emerges at the surface to create oases of habitat for aquatic species and supply drinking water for terrestrial species. Though the Amargosa River does not intersect the mine plan, AngloGold Ashanti is conducting studies to better understand ground and surface water hydrology and biological resources in these aquatic habitats.
With its commitment to responsible mining practices, AngloGold Ashanti is conducting baseline studies to identify the potential environmental impacts of mining operations on the area and will work with the relevant federal, state and local government agencies to develop detailed Mine Plan of Operations to minimize and mitigate potential environmental impacts. The studies are focused on wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, migratory birds, raptors and mammals, special-status plants, invertebrate host plants, noxious weeds, and wetlands and waterbodies. This essential work allows conscientious mining while protecting wild places for future generations.
Seeps and springs monitoring
Seeps and springs occur where groundwater is exposed at the surface. Seeps are wet areas with immeasurably low flows, whereas springs have measurable flows ranging from low to substantial. These groundwater-dependent resources vary in size and water quantity, some remaining wet year-round while others are seasonally wet.
These important surface waters are biologically important, particularly in arid environments like the desert, providing habitat to support an abundance of diverse plant and animal species. Species such as migratory birds, bats and big game use these features as a drinking source, whereas aquatic species, such as toads, fish and spring snails rely on these groundwater-dependent ecosystems to survive.
AngloGold Ashanti understands the importance of these unique ecosystems and continues to conduct baseline monitoring of seeps and springs surrounding the project areas in Nevada. Using collected data in addition to existing information, we have designed a seep and spring monitoring program to continue assessing the existing conditions over time at these surface water sites based on the Stewardship Initiative (SSI) protocol (Stevens and Ledbetter, 2023).
Level I Inventory was conducted at the seeps and springs to confirm the status of documented seeps and springs, clarify access routes, and collect preliminary biological data. The quarterly sampling moving forward will use the Level II Inventory to describe the physical, biological, human impact and administrative variables at each surface water site. Under this protocol, an inventory of vegetation and water quality and quantity data are collected.
Quantitative vegetation data is also being collected using established protocols in the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems (BLM 2024). The surface water and vegetation data will also enable us to conduct targeted species-specific surveys, or the Level III Inventory, at the seeps and springs for the presence of sensitive species in coordination with applicable agencies, such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Nevada Department of Wildlife, as described below.
The Level II and III SSI and BLM AIM protocols were selected for the monitoring program to obtain the most comprehensive, robust data that can be analyzed to identify changes on the landscape and if those changes are natural or due to mining operations.
Biological baseline studies
Baseline studies collect pertinent data during the NEPA process to understand the biological diversity and evaluate potential impacts from the proposed mine on the existing environment. Baseline studies have been conducted since 2021 within the proposed Mine Plan of Operations for terrestrial flora and fauna, vegetation communities, and soils following established protocols accepted by BLM, USFWS, and NDOW. Species-specific surveys have been conducted independently by third-party contractors for desert tortoise, migratory and breeding birds, eagles and other raptors, the southwestern willow flycatcher, bats, small mammals, special status plants and invertebrate host plants, noxious weeds, and ecological site descriptions (e.g., the characterization of vegetation communities and soil structure).
In addition to terrestrial baseline studies, additional field studies will be conducted to address endemic species reliant on seeps and springs habitat, such as the Amargosa toad, Oasis Valley speckled dace, Oasis Valley spring snail, bats, birds and other wildlife. The purpose of these studies is to document and map presence, as well as gain an understanding of any water chemistry parameters or other habitat requirements that may be needed by these species to thrive.