BLM seeks public input on proposed mineral exploration in southern California
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Ridgecrest, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input to inform an environmental impact statement on a proposal to conduct exploratory drilling for mineral resources on public lands near Conglomerate Mesa in Inyo County. The project, proposed by Mojave Precious Metals, a subsidiary of K2 Gold, would include 120 boreholes across 30 drilling locations with up to 15 total acres of disturbance.
The proposal is an amendment to an existing, approved mine plan of operations for the site. Under that approved plan, the proponent accessed the site via helicopter. The requested revisions to that plan include additional bore holes and access roads, as well as an expanded disturbance footprint.
Based on concerns expressed by the public, Tribes, and agencies during early engagement on the proposal, and in consideration of the expanded potential disturbance, the BLM has determined that an environmental impact statement is warranted.
A notice publishing in the Federal Register on Wednesday, Aug. 16, will begin a 60-day public comment period, during which the public can identify issues, suggest alternatives, or provide information for potential consideration in the environmental impact statement. The comment period will end on Oct. 16.
Comments can be submitted via:
- BLM NEPA Register online at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022050/510
- Email comments to BLM_CA_RI_MojavePMetals@blm.gov
- Mail or hand deliver comments in an envelope labeled “Mojave Precious Metals Exploratory Drilling Project EIS” to Tamara Faust, Project Manager, BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 S. Richmond Rd., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
- Fax: 760-384-5499
For additional information, please see the BLM NEPA Register or contact project manager Tamara Faust at 505-427-6759 or BLM_CA_RI_MojavePMetals@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.