August 2026 Newsletter

Hello Friends!

We are still looking for content from other states.  Feel free to reach out if you have something important!

Federal
Trump announces $180 million to boost Mining Education (CBS News)
President Trump on Friday announced more than $180 million in grants to boost educational and trade programs for the mining industry, part of a bid to increase critical mineral production.

The Department of Energy is launching a $100 million grant program aimed at expanding the mining and critical mineral workforce by dramatically increasing the number of people with degrees in those areas over the next two years.  The program is expected to financially support scholarships and other programs, an official said.  Universities, community colleges, trade schools, industry groups and other partners will be eligible to apply.

The military is also offering more than $80 million in additional funding to three universities.  The Colorado School of Mines is expected to get $32.7 million for a tech development hub, the South Dakota School of Mines will get $25 million to set up workforce development programs, and Johns Hopkins University will get $23.6 million for a recycling-focused program.

The hub at the Colorado School of Mines will “test and scale new technologies for mineral processing, recovery, refining, recycling and advanced materials – and ultimately move those technologies into the domestic supply chain,” the school said in a statement.

During Friday’s event, Mr. Trump said the grants were aimed at reversing a longstanding decline in the number of U.S. mining students.  Fewer than 600 people were enrolled in mining engineering programs nationwide in 2023, down from just under $1,500 eight years earlier, according to data compiled by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration and the Society of Mining Professors, https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/27733/chapter/4.

“For years, mining schools and colleges that are essential to training the future leaders of this industry have been absolutely and sadly disappearing,” the president said.

The White House also announced a series of investments by the military in mining companies, battery manufacturers and other firms that work with critical minerals, more information in this link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-billions-in-new-deals-and-investments-to-power-american-mining/?ftag=MSFd61514f.

The grants come as the Trump administration pushes to increase U.S. production of critical minerals like lithium, silicon, graphite and rare-earth elements.  Those materials are essential for making semiconductors, aerospace equipment and many other modern technologies, but China mines and refines an outsized share of the world’s critical minerals… https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-dominates-rare-earths-american-company-hopes-to-challenge-60-minutes-transcript/?ftag=MSFd61514f.

Mr. Trump has also sought to boost the coal mining industry.  His administration pledged $700 million in grants (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-coal-industry-funding-boost/?ftag=MSFd61514f), to coal plants and a coal export terminal in June, and it has eased environmental regulations that restricted the coal industry as informed here: https://apnews.com/article/trump-coal-zeldin-mercury-epa-emissions-b770d6efd05f19ed24b179511c726196?ftag=MSFd61514f.

“Critical minerals are the raw materials of American strength that power everything from advanced weaponry to automobiles.  We want these essential products to be mined, refined and made right here in the USA,” Mr. Trump said.

President Trump announces $180 million to boost mining education, read the complete story here:  
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-to-announce-180-million-to-boost-mining-education/ar-AA29B2Cl?ocid=BingNewsSerp

California:
Recent communications from Dave Mack of the New 49ers report that all is quiet in Siskiyou County. 

However, we received an email from one of our members who was cited in Yuba County, and his equipment was confiscated.  We interviewed him and found that he did not have a Notarized Partnership Agreement.  He was testing a modified dredge box and not performing Stream Reclamation. 

The Partnership Agreement is the foundation of our program.  It triggers subsection 8 of the California Fish and Wildlife Code, allowing someone to do so as a partner rather than an individual.  Most of 5653 is written for an individual.  His only option is to retain a Public Defender and request diversion.  

Oregon:
PROBLEMS WITH THE DRAFT DEQ 600 PERMIT by Jan Alexander – Eastern Oregon Mining Association

DEQ has completely forgotten their mission, which, according to their website, is to “protect and improve Oregon’s water quality.”  Their mission is not to administer mining, nor is it to stop small-scale mining in Oregon; however, that is exactly what this draft permit will do.  It’s sad because EOMA has been working to get this new general permit available to miners, many of whom have been waiting since 2017 to apply and obtain a permit that allows them to process ore using water.  There were 12 miners at the meeting DEQ held in Baker.  They and other EOMA members I have contacted agree that the entire draft permit is unworkable.  Our members all seem to agree; if DEQ put this document together to stop small-scale mining in Oregon, they have accomplished their goal.  

The draft permit is 23 pages, is confusing and disorganized, so it is nearly impossible to see what a miner is expected to do to comply.  Sections are repeated.  It is very difficult to readd and more difficult to understand.  But wading through, page by page, I was able to compile a list of the compliance parameters that would protect water quality.  Also, the requirement to submit pictures and drawings, and the ability to sign everything online.  But DEQ clearly forgot what their mission is. 

From the DEQ website, we see, “The Water Quality Program’s mission is to protect and improve Oregon’s water quality.”  It’s really very simple: control processed water in ponds, recycle it, and don’t discharge it.  The only important things are those pertaining to protecting water quality.  In addition, DEQ is proposing to administer mining.  How they thought they could do this is beyond me.  They are a WATER QUALITY agency.  The mining administration parts of permit must be deleted.  All miners’ operations that use mechanized equipment are already administered by either BLM or the Forest Service.  Some are administered by DOGAMI.  DEQ needs to take another look at the draft permit and ask itself:  Is this requirement under the authority of my agency, and how will it protect water quality?  If they had done that, this permit might just have been workable.  EOMA is preparing a response to the draft permit.  I have send my draft to the miners who were at the DEQ meeting, and others who are interested, and have had responses to my draft ranging from the fact that every miner would need to hire a secretary just to keep up with the paperwork, (which has to be recorded daily and submitted to DEQ quarterly and annually), to it would not be possible to comply and the only alternative is to quit mining or become a law breaker.  And the manner of submittal is through DEQ’s “YDO”, (Your DEQ Online).  This system is totally unworkable.  My husband Ken tried to find out what would happen if a miner submitted an application for a new permit, and he spent two days trying to get an application approved, working with the “help desk”, and trying whatever actions the consultant suggested, only to get an answer in the end saying, “your application is disapproved”.  At the meeting with DEQ, we asked that miners not have to try and use the YDO online portal.  The DEQ personnel at the meeting agreed that the portal was not easy to use but told us the Governor is requiring DEQ to make all miners submit all paperwork via the portal.  When you vote this time, see if we can get new leadership instead of Tina Kotec.  Perhaps with a new governor, this mandate to use the YDO portal will be dropped.

Geologist Services Available:
My name is Keaton Dinan.  I’m a younger contract geologist trying to build a name in small-scale hard-rock mining. 

I’m trying to move out of the corporate mineral exploration world and focus more on real small-mine, lode claim, historic mine, stockpile, and ore-dump project.  My interest is practical:  helping owners organize old assays, reports, maps, samples, and mine records into realistic next-step plans. 

I can help with assay/document review, sampling gaps, QA/QC planning, field inspection, claim/access context, lab/metallurgy routing, toll-mill readiness, and clear technical writing.  I’ve also been working on a documentation modernization pipeline for older mine projects and would like to help revive some projects that may have slipped through the cracks.

I’m not trying to sell a consulting package or anything.  I’m looking for projects where I can be useful, including field work, sweat equity, success-based compensation, or longer-term involvement where the fit is right.  I don’t mind getting dirty or helping with practical mine-site work.

Is there a good way to share a short notice with PLP members or connect with small mine owners who my need this kind of help?

Thanks, 
Keaton Dinan
KeatonDinan@gmail.com
(850) 387-6407

A Note to Facebook Users, Influencers, and YouTube Channels:
New miners are constantly searching for information, including legalities, regulations, and permits. 

Social Media and video channels are their main sources.  One thing I see is people showing equipment working that may not be legal in all states.  Even if the Group is for Oregon or Northern California, people from anywhere can post so long as they are a member.

A simple disclaimer could reduce confusion by prompting viewers to read and study their state’s regs.  If you are unfamiliar with them, don’t be upset with someone who replies that it’s not legal.  They are simply trying to help keep you out of trouble.
 

The Comstock Gold Prospectors invite you to
Downieville Gold Rush Days 2026

Showcase Your Brand at Downieville Gold Rush Days!
Gold panning, local history, and great company,
it’s almost time for Downieville Gold Rush Days! ⚒️🌲
 

We are getting everything ready for September 18th-20th, and we’d love to have you join us.  We are staying true to our roots this year while slowly growing to include our friends in Sierra City and at the Kentucky Mine.

We still have a few booth spaces available, and we are especially looking to fill our ranks with:

• Gold Mining & Heritage:  Prospecting gear, mineral displays, and historical enthusiasts.
• Artisans & Mercantile:  Leatherwork, blacksmithing, woodcraft, and apothecary.
• Western Wear:  Period-style hats, boots, and clothing.
• The Grub:  Dutch oven cooking, hearty stews, and old-fashioned treats.

📥 TO APPLY:  Just send Comstock Gold Prospectors a DM with your email address, and they will send the vendor’s information right over to you!

#GoldMining, #Downieville, #GoldRushDays, #SierraCounty, #SupportLocal, #DiscoverDownieville, #GoldRushHistory, #SierraCity, #KentuckyMine.