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BLM approves Mesa Gold mining plan in Kern County

California
California Desert DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Ridgecrest Field Office
A white wooden claim marker stands upright in a desert landscape, surrounded by dry grasses, rocks, and scattered shrubs.

RIDGECREST, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has approved the small-scale Mesa Gold prospecting operation on five public acres in the El Paso Mountains of Kern County.

With this approval, the operator may use a dry washer, loader, and mini excavator to mine gold on their unpatented placer mining claim for up to 10 years. No water or chemical processing will be used during mining operations, no utility or support services are required, and tortoise enclosure fencing will be placed temporarily around each active excavation site.

The project supports Executive Order 14241, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” by encouraging exploration on federal lands to meet the needs of American citizens. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.