We, the undersigned, stand in strong opposition to the exploitation of California’s public lands by foreign-owned mining corporations—specifically the Canadian company K2 Gold—which is pursuing exploratory drilling in Conglomerate Mesa, an area of deep ecological, historical, and Indigenous significance in Inyo County.

These activities are being carried out under the outdated 1872 Mining Law, a relic that allows foreign companies to:

"Stake mining claims on U.S. soil"

"Pay no royalties to the American public"

"Leave behind long-term environmental damage with little oversight"

The goal of these “explorations” is often not development, but speculative flipping—where rights are sold to larger, more destructive operators with minimal regard for environmental, cultural, or public welfare.

We demand:

"A moratorium on foreign-owned mining operations on public U.S. lands"

"The modernization of the 1872 Mining Law to include environmental protections, tribal consultation, and federal royalties"

"The permanent protection of Conglomerate Mesa as a heritage and conservation site"

Additionally, we urge local communities not to be misled by false promises of jobs or investment. Historically, mining companies often import their own labor, bypassing the very communities whose lands they exploit. Locals are left with no economic benefit and all the environmental consequences.

Public lands are not for sale. Not to the highest bidder, and especially not to foreign corporations exploiting our outdated laws.
This petition calls on our elected officials—Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Steve Padilla, Representative Raul Ruiz, and others—to take swift action to block this exploitation and preserve Conglomerate Mesa for future generations.