The Colorado Mine Land Reclamation Board (MLRB) convened on June 18, 2025, to address significant enforcement issues regarding the Indian Creek Mining Corporation. The meeting focused on the potential forfeiture of a financial warranty linked to the company's gold and silver mining operations in Sewatch County.

Todd Jesse, an environmental protection specialist, presented the case concerning the Profit Mine, which has a permit area of 1.9 acres and a financial bond of $1,500. The hearing was prompted by the company's failure to comply with a board order requiring the submission of a past-due annual report map and fee for 2024. This was not the first instance of non-compliance; the board had previously assessed civil penalties totaling $6,372 due to repeated failures to meet regulatory requirements.

The timeline of events revealed a pattern of neglect by Indian Creek Mining. The company missed the May 29, 2024, deadline for submitting the necessary documentation, leading to a series of notices and hearings. Despite the board's orders and penalties, corrective actions were not completed, culminating in the board's decision to revoke the permit and recommend forfeiture of the financial warranty.

During the meeting, staff recommended that the board confirm the forfeiture of the financial warranty, citing the operator's failure to cure the default under its performance warranty. The board's decision will require affected financial warrantors to deliver the warranted amounts to the board.

This case highlights ongoing regulatory challenges within Colorado's mining sector, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental and operational standards. The board's actions reflect a commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring accountability among mining operators. The next steps will involve formalizing the board's findings and issuing an order to enforce the forfeiture.