Nevada Organic Phosphate: Drilling Delayed by Environmental Surveys

Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (NOP) has delayed the start of its planned drilling program at the Murdock Mountain phosphate project in Elko County, Nevada, due to complications in securing environmental pre-clearance surveys, the company announced Friday.

The delay stems from the time required to complete biological and cultural resource surveys mandated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) before field operations can begin. According to the company, its initial environmental consultant did not complete the surveys within the anticipated timeframe.

To expedite the process, NOP has engaged a second environmental consulting firm to assist with the outstanding requirements. The company anticipates the additional firm, which will be on-site this week, will improve scheduling reliability and reduce the risk of further delays, according to a press release issued by Newsfile Corp. On March 23, 2026.

The delay has also impacted the company’s original drilling contractor, who has moved to other scheduled commitments. NOP is currently finalizing a contract with a second drilling contractor to ensure drilling can commence as soon as the necessary environmental clearances are secured.

“We are pleased to be expanding our environmental team to ensure that all required BLM and NDOW pre-clearance work is completed efficiently and in full alignment with regulatory timing expectations,” stated Robin Dow, CEO of Nevada Organic Phosphate, in the press release.

The Murdock Mountain project is notable as a potentially large-scale organic sedimentary phosphate deposit, believed to be the only one of its kind in North America, spanning 6.6 kilometers with potential to extend over 30 kilometers. The site is strategically located near major transportation routes, including a highway to Montello/Elko, Nevada, and a rail head to California.

The BLM issued a decision approving the Murdock Mountain Phosphate Exploration Project in September 2024, allowing Nevada Organic Phosphate to assess phosphate mining potential in the area. The company is a junior exploration company traded on the CSE (NOP) and OTCQB (NOPFF).

NOP will provide further updates as the environmental surveys progress and new drilling timelines are confirmed.