BLM approves two exploratory projects in the California desert
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management has approved two exploratory projects in the California desert, the Perdito Exploration Project and the Green Planet Group sampling project.
“The two projects support 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 BLM has authorized Silver Standard U.S. Holdings Inc. of the Perdito Exploration Project to construct drill pads and subsequently drill seven diamond core exploration holes several hundred feet deep in an area that has been previously explored and take samples at the seven locations. The project is located on existing un-patented lode mining claims in Inyo County on public lands managed by the Ridgecrest Field Office.
The BLM has also authorized Green Planet Group Inc. to excavate and take placer gold samples from a half-acre of public land at the St. Philips placer claim, located south of the El Paso Mountains Wilderness in Kern County. The project includes excavation and processing roughly 600 tons of placer material at a pit depth of no more than five feet deep.
Persons adversely affected by this decision may request a State Director Review within 30 days of the BLM’s decision. Requests can be mailed to: Bureau of Land Management, California State Director, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1623, Sacramento, CA 95825.
The Environmental Assessment, Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact for both projects can be viewed at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/ or by contacting the Ridgecrest Field Office at 300 S. Richmond Rd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. For further information, contact Randy Porter, 760-384-5452 or by email at rporter@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.