The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved 36 lease renewals for Doe Run Resources, a privately held natural resources company, ensuring the continuation of operations in five active mines in south-eastern Missouri.

These mines, located within the Mark Twain National Forest, are a source of lead, zinc and copper, with applications ranging from car batteries to galvanised steel.

Doe Run's mining activities are expected to yield substantial federal revenue through royalties and fees, contributing millions of dollars over the lease period.

Additionally, these operations support economic activity in the region.

A revenue-sharing model ensures that the State of Missouri benefits from the mining, receiving 25% of the royalties.

BLM Northeastern States district manager Pamela Mathis said: “This decision reflects the BLM’s commitment to strengthen the domestic mineral supply while supporting jobs and local economies.

“Renewing Doe Run’s leases ensures ongoing exploration and production of federal minerals in one of the world’s largest lead mining districts.” 

Doe Run has been operating in the area for more than five decades. The renewed leases extend the domestic mining for another ten years, aligning with global demand for these critical resources.

The BLM, under the Mineral Leasing Act, has the authority to lease these federal minerals and has done so since the previous renewals in 2015.

The decision to renew the leases was made in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, reflecting the directives of Executive Order 14241, which focuses on bolstering US mineral production.

The BLM oversees approximately 245 million acres of public land and administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate across the nation.

In May, the BLM was tasked with completing the environmental permitting review for Anfield Energy’s Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium mine project in San Juan County, Utah, within 14 days.