BLM seeks input on proposed five-acre mining project in Kern County
RIDGECREST, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed mining project to extract minerals for the Mesa Gold operation in Kern County, Calif. The mining claimant has requested approval for a five-acre placer gold mining operation in the El Paso Mountains.
Placer mining is the practice of separating heavily eroded minerals like gold from sand or gravel. If approved, this project would support Executive Order 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, by encouraging exploration on federal lands to meet the needs of American citizens and providing opportunity for public comment.
The draft environmental assessment and mining plan of operations are available for review at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected], or delivered to the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, Attn: Mesa Gold Comments, 300 S. Richmond Rd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555. The public comment period will close on August 4.
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.