Panamint Valley Lithium Exploratory Drilling 

In 2019 the Ridgecrest BLM office approved project proposed by Battery Mineral Resources to drill at 4 sites in Panamint Valley to evaluate the lithium potential in the groundwater there. An appeal to the BLM State Director was denied. An appeal to the IBLA (Interior Board of Land Appeals within the Department of Interior) for a reversal of the FONSI (finding of no significant impact) decision of the Ridgecrest BLM office was also denied. The company drilled 2 of the 4 holes: one in the north end of the playa near Indian Springs and one across the playa from Ballarat. Then they decided not to drill the last two holes near the Briggs Mine as originally planned. BMR then wanted to drill 7 holes in different locations and has submitted an application, but ended up selling their claims to another company that is interested in exploring the lithium potential in Panamint Valley.

          Northern drill site by Indian Springs     and      drill site across from Ballarat

Amargosa Lithium Exploratory Drilling: A new lithium exploratory drilling proposal has come up. It is for an area adjacent to Death Valley Wilderness on the east side of the Park to the Nevada border near Amargosa. The Amargosa River flows on the surface in the area being considered. Part is on State land; part is on BLM land.