BLM approves the Keystone Exploratory Drilling Project in Inyo County
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office, has approved the Keystone exploratory drilling project located at the Goler Wash area, southern Panamint Mountains, in Inyo County, California.
The BLM decision record authorizes Bush Management Company to proceed with drilling on existing unpatented lode mining claims that will be supported by existing roads and pads, with several of the drill sites being in existing road surfaces. The project will employ about six workers and less than one acre of disturbance is anticipated.
“This project supports the administration’s priorities by encouraging environmentally responsible development of minerals on public lands, while creating jobs and providing economic opportunities,” said BLM Ridgecrest Field Manager Carl Symons.
“The National Park Service is a cooperating agency on the joint document, because of water rights to a spring and an existing water pipeline that crosses a short portion of the western edge of Death Valley National Park.”
The Decision Record and Environmental Assessment for the Keystone Exploratory Drilling Project can be viewed at https://go.usa.gov/xPanM, or by visiting the Ridgecrest Field Office at 300 S. Richmond Rd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.
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.