Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project Approved

9/27/2021--The Acting District Ranger of the Mammoth Ranger District has approved the categorical exclusion (CE) for the Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project. The project is approved based upon the proposed Plan of Operations submitted by the proponent, KORE Mining, that is for mineral exploration only. An application has not been submitted or proposed for mineral extraction (mining). If that were to occur, that application would be processed as a separate project and have a separate National Environmental Policy Act analysis. The initial Plan of Operations was revised based on analysis and comments received during project scoping, and many requirements were added to minimize resource impacts. This decision approves mineral exploration, including ground-disturbing reclamation activities, for up to one year.

The scope of this project will total approximately 0.82 acres; 0.43 acres would be from the drill pads and 0.39 acres from the use of the temporary access roads. Twelve drill pads, measuring 53 feet by 30 feet, will be constructed and up to three core borings will be drilled on each pad. The proposed drilling equipment will access the property across existing public roads and will utilize temporary access roads from the public roads to the drilling pad locations to minimize disturbance from road grading. Best management practice will be employed for drilling. The timeframe for these activities will be less than one year after drilling begins.

“This decision includes measures to minimize effects to natural and cultural resources by requiring post-project restoration for habitat improvement and monitors to protect cultural resources during drilling activities,” Acting District Ranger Leeann Murphy said, “These restoration activities are important to provide food and cover for native wildlife species, allow for native plant success, and ensure there is no net loss of habitat and no effect to the capability of forest species of conversation of concern to persist over the long term in the plan area.”

Activities such as monitoring, native seeding, and maintaining a sage grouse friendly fence to exclude livestock from the restoration areas are in support of the post-project habitat restoration.

To find more information about the project, including the decision memo and supporting documents, please visit the following webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59294

The Inyo National Forest announces that work on the Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project is expected to begin in two weeks. The forest has received notification from the project proponent, KORE Mining, Ltd of their intent to begin exploratory drilling as early as Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Previously, work was expected to begin as early as Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Additionally, the project will proceed with limited activities.

The public should expect that heavy equipment including a drill rig will be on the roads near Whitmore Hot Springs and Antelope Springs Roads.

The project is approved based upon the proposed Plan of Operations submitted by KORE Mining, Ltd that is for mineral exploration only. An application has not been submitted or proposed for mineral extraction (mining).

On October 21, several organizations filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging the project. The case number is 2:21-cv-01955A.

The drilling process will follow the best management practices and should be completed within a year. Speaking of drilling, have any of you utilized a travelling block for drilling rigs during your construction projects? I've heard that they can be quite beneficial when it comes to lifting and lowering the drill string. It's fascinating to consider how various industries utilize comparable equipment in different ways. Anyway, I thought I would share that little piece of information.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2023 04:47PM by NuvNatil.