What’s Happening?
Canadian company K2 Gold, through its subsidiary Mojave Precious Metals, has had its eye on the pristine “Island in the Sky” that is Conglomerate Mesa. This majestic Joshua Tree haven has been sacred to tribal peoples in southern Inyo County since before recorded time.
At the Inyo County Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, November 28, Ridgecrest BLM Field Office and Inyo County are considering signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Mojave Precious Metals Exploratory Drilling Project. This MOU would designate Inyo County as a “Cooperating Agency” during the course of the Environmental Impact Statement process, establishing “a framework for mutual cooperation and coordination between the BLM and (Inyo County) that will ensure successful completion of the EIS in a timely, efficient, and thorough manner.”
What Can I Do?
Make your voice heard! This is an opportunity to show the BLM and Inyo County that we care about Conglomerate Mesa and don’t want to see it destroyed by a mining company for short-term gain!
Attend the County Supervisors’ meeting in person in Independence, CA, to show support and provide a comment to express your concern. Some points to address are:
- Conglomerate Mesa is a special place worthy of protection because of its thriving Joshua trees, endangered Inyo rock daisies, dark desert skies, and solitude.
- Inyo County has a duty to follow the Surface Mineral Reclamation Act (SMARA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and ensure that research reports are thorough and accurate.
- The mining exploration and a possible future mine are not in the best interest of Inyo County as they will have a detrimental effect on outdoor recreation, which is the county’s main economic driver.
The MOU will be the first item on the agenda after the lunch break.
Please plan on arriving no later than 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Friends of the Inyo will be set up outside with signs and information.
Location:
Board of Supervisors Room – County Administrative Center
224 North Edwards, Independence, California
You can also join the meeting and speak virtually, but attending in person will have a lot more impact.
