Mojave Precious Metals – Exploratory Drilling Plan Modification EIS
Project Information
Project Description
Mojave Previous Metals (MPM) has submitted an amendment to their existing, approved Plan of Operations for mineral exploration which was approved in May 2018. The proposed Plan modification requests exploration access via overland travel which would disturb up to 15 acres at up to 30 locations with a total of 120 boreholes.
Prior to determining that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was necessary, the BLM had begun analysis of this project under an Environmental Assessment (EA). That draft EA remains accessible for historical purposes here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2013863/510/
What's New
August 16, 2023: 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. A notice published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 opens a 60-day scoping 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 October 16, 2023. The public may comment through any of the following methods:
- Preferred: BLM ePlanning NEPA Register -- scroll to the top of this webpage and click the green Participate Now link on the left to comment.
- 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
Update on September 1, 2023: A project summary presentation has been posted to the Documents section as an additional resource. Also, an Errata document to the Plan of Operations has been posted in the Documents section, along with a rollup document which integrates the errata into the Plan of Operations.
Application Information
Project Dates
Project Milestones
Initial Scheduled Date
Revised Target Date
Actual Date
Notice of Intent Publication:
08/16/2023
Draft EIS Publication:
04/25/2025
04/25/2025
Comment Period End Date:
06/09/2025
06/09/2025
Final EIS Publication:
09/13/2025
09/13/2025
Record of Decision Publication:
10/25/2025
10/25/2025