Payette forest gold mining permit in Idaho revoked

LEWISTON, Idaho — The Payette National Forest has rescinded a gold mining exploration permit in the headwaters of the South Fork of the Salmon River.

The three-year permit would have allowed Midas Gold Corp. of Vancouver, B.C., to drill about 178 exploratory holes in the area east of McCall.

Forest officials decided this week that additional environmental analysis of the company’s plans and their potential environmental effects is needed.

The Nez Perce Tribe and the Idaho Conservation League filed a lawsuit to stop the exploration project.

Midas Gold President Stephen Quin told the Lewiston Tribune that the agency’s decision would not alter any plans for this year and doesn’t apply to the company’s private land holdings in the area.

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