BLM Seeks Public Comment for Phase 2 Drilling Plan Near Lone Pine
Lone Pine, CA – August 3, 2021 – As part of the federal environmental review process, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) is seeking public comments on Mojave Precious Metals’ (“MPM”) proposed modification to its Plan of Operations for Phase II exploration.
The proposed exploration targets key zones within MPM’s existing claims using the alignment of prior exploration roads to access and drill up to 30 sites with approximately four drill holes per site.
The use of previous exploration footprints will help mitigate surface disturbance. For example, the plan proposes 0.0 acreage of new road construction.
The planned footprint is also largely consistent with a 2016 exploration proposal that was approved after receiving full review under the National Environmental Policy Act in its Environmental Assessment.
During Phase I of exploration, MPM spent $304,500 locally over a two-month period. Phase II of exploration is estimated to generate roughly $1 million in local expenditures.
MPM intends on continuing its efforts to use cultural monitors
selected by the Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Tribe and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to be present during exploration efforts, just as it did for Phase I.
The proposed Plan of Operations includes a detailed reclamation plan to ensure the area is restored once the work is complete. MPM recently provided an update on its successful reclamation efforts at the Phase I exploration sites.
“In designing this plan, we took careful consideration to mitigate surface disturbance by maximizing the use of previous exploration footprints,” said Steve Swatton, President and CEO of MPM.
“MPM is committed to conducting its exploratory efforts in a safe, environmentally responsible, and collaborative manner while meeting and exceeding rigorous standards for environmental protection and community engagement. Public comment is an important part of this process, and we encourage the community to participate,” Swatton concluded.
The public is encouraged to review and comment on the proposed exploration plan at https://go.usa.gov/xFkVv. The deadline to submit public comment is Monday, August 30.
Mojave Precious Metals is engaged in mineral exploration in Inyo County – a region with a rich and long mining history that dates to the 1800’s. MPM is proud to be a part of the community, invest in Inyo County and support its people and institutions in a responsible and respectful manner.
For further information about Mojave Precious Metals, please visit our website
at www.mojavepreciousmetals.com, contact our office in Lone Pine, California +1 (760) 614-5605 or email us at [email protected]. We are also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
