BLM seeks public comment for the Castle Mountain Mine Environmental Analysis, San Bernardino County
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NEEDLES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on the Environmental Assessment and a proposed modification to the Plan of Operations for the Castle Mountain Mine located in San Bernardino County. Public comments on this EA must be submitted to the BLM by Jan. 13.
The mine, owned by Castle Mountain Venture (CMV), is an authorized 1,375-acre open pit gold mine that was approved in 1990 and then expanded in 1998. The mine has not produced gold since 2001. The mine’s plan of operations envisions mining activity taking place over 16 years. The mine is projected to employ 228 workers at peak production capacity.
“Encouraging responsible, sustainable development of mineral resources on our nation’s public lands is a significant part of the Bureau of Land Management’s mandate and mission,” said BLM Deputy Director for Programs and Policy William Perry Pendley. “We’re pleased that the economic and regulatory climate has improved to the degree that the Castle Mountain Mine is viable again, after so many years laying idle.”
Castle Mountain Mine’s proposed actions include restarting its operations; updating the status of revegetation research; and modifying the reclamation strategy, mining methods, scheduling, and the groundwater-monitoring plan. The installation of five new groundwater monitoring wells would result in an additional 5.65 acres of ground disturbance.
The proposal and EA are available for review online through ePlanning, or by visiting the Needles Field Office, 1303 S. Hwy 95, Needles, CA 92363. The public can comment by mailing to the address listed above with ATTN: Casey Loofbourrow, email comments to cloofbourrow@blm.gov, or fax 760-326-7099.
The public is reminded that personal addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and other personal identifying information included in submitted comments may be made publicly available at any time. The public may request the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public review; however, the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
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.