BLM seeks input on proposed gold and silver mine expansion in California
NEEDLES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed expansion of the Castle Mountain gold and silver mine near Nipton in San Bernardino County. The proposed project supports President Trump’s Executive Order 14241, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” to boost domestic mineral production and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals, enhance national security, and create jobs.
If approved, Castle Mountain Ventures, a subsidiary of Equinox Gold Corp., could add an additional 1,800 acres of public lands to the mine’s overall footprint for a total project disturbance of 3,294 acres. The expansion would quadruple the expected annual mining rate from 18 million to 80 million tons. The expansion is expected to add 273 new mining jobs and an additional 509 support jobs throughout California and Nevada.
The BLM and San Bernardino County will hold a hybrid in-person and virtual public meeting on Wednesday, November 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Searchlight Community Center, 200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight, NV 89046. The virtual participation option will be available via Zoom (please register to attend).
Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also delivered to the BLM Needles Field Office, ATTN: Castle Mountain Mine Phase II Expansion Project EIS/EIR, 1303 U.S. 95, Needles, CA 92363; or faxed to 760-326-7099. The comment period will close Nov. 20, 2025.
For more information, please contact the BLM Needles Field Office at (760) 326-7000.
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.