Abstract

In 1987, Geneva Steel acquired rights to the iron ore deposits located about 25 miles (40 km) west of Cedar City in southern Utah from U.S. Steel. Since that time, Geneva Steel has also acquired additional iron ore deposits in the area from previous owners. The area was first mined by early pioneers who discovered the deposits in 1849. Remains of an early blast furnace and beehive coke oven still exist at the nearby historic site.

The current operation consists of several large open-pit mines, processing areas, and mine waste dumps. The ore is predominately magnetite with hematite in Cretaceous/Jurassic host rocks located adjacent to Tertiary igneous intrusives. Ore production is near 835,000 tons annually. The ore is shipped to the Geneva Steel mill located near Orem, Utah.

Geneva Steel revised the existing reclamation plan filed by previous owners to include current and future mining plans. Supporting studies included evaluations of area soils, vegetation, surface/subsurface hydrology, geology, slope stability, and waste dump characteristics in accordance with the amended and new rules of the Utah Minerals Reclamation Program of the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. Reclamation work performed by previous owners on adjacent abandoned properties was also evaluated.

Results of past reclamation efforts by others appear satisfactory but may require some additional work. Current reclamation plans call for resloping some waste dumps, scarifying roadways, placement of topsoil, grading and seeding. Reshaping and revegetation of open pit interiors is not planned or required. Effects of past and future mining activities on the environment has been minimal. Reclamation efforts will be monitored to assess compliance.