LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposed Plan of Operation for mineral exploration in the Lordsburg Playa. The public has until Sept. 10 to submit their substantive comments on the potential impacts to public land and resources that may occur from the proposed exploration activity.
Under the plan, a mining claimant proposes to drill six exploratory holes within their authorized mining claim in the Lordsburg Playa, near township and range - T23S, R20W in Sections 7, 8, 9, 17, 18 and 20. The holes would be dug 750-feet deep, using a truck-mounted auger, to explore for the hard-rock mineral lithium.
Locatable minerals are subject to the Mining Law of 1872, as amended, and include gold, silver, copper and other hard rock minerals.
Those interested in learning more about the proposed plan can access the information and location map online at www.blm.gov/new-mexico and click on the specific Spotlight announcement.
From now until Sept. 10, the BLM will be accepting public comments on the proposed plan through one of the following methods:
* Electronically, by sending comments to: BLM_NM_LCDO_Comments@blm.gov. Include “Lordsburg Playa Exploration" in the subject line of your email; or by
* Mailing comments to: BLM Las Cruces District Office, ATTN: Lordsburg Play Exploration, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Substantive comments submitted by the public may be considered by the BLM in the development of an environmental assessment or a decision record.
For more information on the proposed project and how to submit comments, please contact Leighandra Keeven, BLM Geologist and Project Lead, at 575-525-4337 or via email at lkeeven@blm.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
