BLM seeks public comment on proposal for exploratory drilling west of Moab
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MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day comment period for an updated A1 Lithium Incorporated Mineral Exploration Project Environmental Assessment, which analyzes a proposal to re-enter two plugged and abandoned wellbores and assess potentially valuable lithium and associated mineral salt deposits on federal lands approximately eight miles west of Moab in Grand County.
If approved, the project is expected to be completed within two years and include plugging and abandonment of the reentered holes and reclamation of the disturbed area. Lithium is listed on the 2022 DOI USGS Critical Minerals List.
The BLM previously sought public comments for this environmental assessment in the summer of 2022, and after further review has included updated review of alternatives considered and cumulative impacts on water quantity from potential future fluid and solid mineral development in the analysis area.
“The BLM manages lands for multiple use and sustained yield, including providing opportunities for responsible mineral and energy development,” said Moab Field Manager Dave Pals. “The public can help inform mineral development by providing detailed comments on environmental analyses for proposals like this one.”
Interested members of the public, local governments, Tribal Nations, organizations and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide written comments during this comment period to help refine the environmental analysis and clarify issues. Comments on the cumulative impacts on water quantity from potential future fluid and solid mineral development will be especially helpful.
Please reference “A1 Lithium Mineral Exploration Project” when submitting comments. Written comments may be submitted through the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred), emailed to BLM_UT_MB_Comments@blm.gov, or mailed/hand delivered to BLM Moab Field Office, Attn: A1 Lithium Mineral Exploration Project, 82 East Dogwood Moab, UT 84532. All comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MDT on August 26, 2023, to be considered.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Whittington at jwhittington@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 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.