Comstock Mining Inc. said Wednesday it gained local approval to develop a drilling project in the southern part of Storey County, Nevada.

The Storey County Board of Commissioners approval affirms the unanimous recommendation from the Storey County Planning Commission on Aug. 16, 2011.

We appreciate Storey County's strong support. This permit enables expanded drilling, primarily in the broader Lucerne Resource Area, currently our largest target area, said Corrado De Gasperis, President and CEO of Comstock Mining Inc.