BLM - Bureau of Land Management
04/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2026 11:40
BLM seeks input on proposed Castle Mountain Mine expansion in southern California
BLM seeks input on proposed Castle Mountain Mine expansion in southern California
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Bureau of Land Management
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Apr 17, 2026
Castle Mountain Mine (photo courtesy of Equinox Gold Corporation).
NEEDLES, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments for the proposed second expansion of the Castle Mountain gold mine in the eastern Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County. The Castle Mountain Mine Phase 2 Project is the BLM's first mining project to receive full coverage as a FAST-41 project in the interest of government transparency and in response to administration efforts to increase American mineral production, reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals, enhance national security, and create jobs.
If approved, Castle Mountain Venture could expand open pit mining activities within the existing 3,910-acre mine plan boundary. The proposal would expand the mine by 1,800 acres and increase the annual mining rate by four times. The project is expected to create roughly 500 construction jobs and an additional 400 support jobs across California and Nevada. Once fully operational, the mine is projected to employ 273 onsite workers.
Additional information, including the draft environmental impact statement, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the 'Participate Now' option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to: BLM Needles Field Office, ATTN: Castle Mountain Mine Phase 2 Project - Rose Pettiette, 1303 U.S. 95, Needles, CA 92363. The comment period will close June 1, 2026.
For more information, please contact the BLM Needles Field Office at (760) 326-7000.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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