Barksdale San Antonio 

On March 17, 2023 after submitting the required Reclamation Performance Bond and obtaining all required permits, Barksdale (IC Exploration) received Forest Service’s approval to proceed with its San Antonio Exploratory Drilling Project in the Patagonia Mountains, within the San Rafael Watershed.

Between March 17, 2023 and March 24, 2023 Barksdale set-up operations, drilled at three (3) of the proposed five (5) drilling sites and then removed drill rigs from the site. During that time local residents monitored the drilling operations and reported several concerns to Forest Service, including unapproved tree removal and unlined water collection sumps. Forest Service responded to residents’ concerns by conducting an on-site inspection. Forest Service did not release a report of the inspection, but did verbally confirm that Barksdale will have to pay for and replace the trees they cut down and Barksdale’s was directed to use plastic liners in the sumps and to remove sump water off site.

It is unknown when or if Barksdale will return to drill at the remaining two sites or when they will release the assay reports for the recent drilling operation.

Although the drilling rigs have been removed, Barksdale’s work is not complete. Barksdale is responsible for removing all remaining equipment and materials from the site and completing reclamation work as outlined in their Plan of Operations. Local residents will continue to monitor the drill sites to assure Barksdale complies with “demobilizing” and reclamation requirements.