Malheur County, OR. — The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), alongside the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has issued draft permits for the proposed Grassy Mountain Mine in Malheur County and is inviting public comment through February 6, 2026.
The draft permits pertain to Calico Resources USA Corp.’s plan to develop the Grassy Mountain gold deposit, located about 22 miles south-southwest of Vale. The proposal includes construction of an underground mine, a surface mill complex, and a tailings storage facility.
A public hearing will be held January 29, 2026, in Vale, Oregon, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MST, with an option to participate virtually. Attendees will be able to view presentations on the project and offer public testimony.
Draft permits, project documents, and details on participating in the hearing are available online at DOGAMI’s website:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx
DOGAMI encourages comments that specifically address elements contained within the draft permits. Comments may be submitted:
- In person at the public hearing
- By email to: information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov
- By mail to:
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Mineral Land Regulation & Reclamation Program
229 Broadalbin St SW
Albany, OR 97321-2246
The notice is also available in Spanish upon request.
Under Oregon’s consolidated permitting process for chemical process mines (ORS 517.952–517.989), DOGAMI coordinates regulatory requirements with state permitting agencies. Additional federal, state, or local permits may also be necessary for the project.
The applicant, Calico Resources USA Corp., is headquartered at 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada.
Public input will inform the next steps in evaluating the proposed development of one of Oregon’s few potential large-scale gold mining projects.
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