BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials have approved a Canadian company's request to do exploratory drilling about 55 miles northeast of Boise to determine if molybdenum, copper and silver exist in sufficient quantities to go forward with a mining project.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Tuesday its approval of Idaho CuMo Mining Corporation's plan that includes building temporary roads and up to 137 drill pads for up to 259 drill holes about 14 miles north of Idaho City. Boise National Forest Supervisor Cecilia Seesholtz released the decision on a supplemental Environmental Assessment that found no significant impact with the project.

The company's headquarters are in Vancouver, British Columbia. Federal officials say that if the company wants to start mining it will have to submit another proposal that will require a separate environmental analysis.

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