Grants Pass, ORGMD

April 11th, 2015

For the past several years, the miners from the Galice Mining District, about 3o minutes west of Grants Pass, Oregon, have been arguing over who has the rights to the minerals in the ground around Galice Creek. The Galice mining district is compiled of a number of claims, owners and miners and has been in continuous operation since the early 1870’s, which makes it one of the longest running operations in the US. This specific operation predates the BLM bureaucracy by many decades in fact.

The area in question has produced in excess of 10 million ounces of gold since its conception, and geologists estimate that only 10% of the gold in the ground has been removed, which makes this area highly sought after by any standard. It is said that children find gold with their hands in the creeks to this day.

BLM has made several attempts to disband the operation through violations that claim improper paperwork filing, ruling changes over time, and other unsubstantiated claims. The miners of this district have spend tens of thousands of dollars to date to fighting the BLM in the courts and other avenues. The district has made requests to produce the official rulings that show they are in violation which have gone unanswered. They simple reason given by the BLM is that “they say so”.

Late last week, BLM officials accompanied by Josephine County Sheriff deputies issues a cease and desist order to blmthe district without any official ruling by the courts. Specifically, the issue is not even scheduled to be heard in court until later in the year. The order has given the miners until April 25th to remove all equipment, buildings and supplies from the mine. Local BLM officials have threatened to burn the buildings down if they are not removed by the date.

The people in this district have stated that they will fully disobey the order as they claim that it is illegal and invalid. A call for assistance to the Oath Keeper’s and other State Militia groups has been made and there is no intention to leave the area by the deadline.

This issue has far reaching implications. The outcome from this issue and the court ruling to come will effect all of America. The issue at hand is not just about the Galice Miners and the gold in the ground, but more about what the government says you can do with the ground in your control. These miners have the rights to the minerals in the ground and the government wants that changed. What comes next could effect every American. What if your backyard has a specific mineral that the government values. By any means, can come in and tell you that you can not grow your broccoli on your land because it absorbs this “special” mineral? The bigger picture would effect farmers. What if gold, oil, or something like uranium was found under a farmer’s corn crop. Does the government have the right to those minerals and have the ability to over ride your use of your own land? This issue will have the ability dictate the future use of our public and private lands.

http://www.lockedandloadednews.com/bundy-ranch-type-standoff-brewing-in-southern-oregon-between-miners-and-blm/