Investigation of False Reporting to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Based on the results of an Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) audit, OIG investigated allegations a salt mining company provided ONRR with false information and failed to pay mineral royalties between 2010 and 2012. 

 

We found that the operator did fail to report and pay the proper amount of mineral royalties, and prepared and submitted inaccurate production and royalty reports to ONRR. The United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of New Mexico and the District of Colorado both declined to accept the case for criminal or civil prosecution.

 

We issued our report to ONRR for administrative action and to the Bureau of Land Management for information.