|
Nevada Conservation League's Grace Potorti speaks at a press conference where activists staked a mock claim near a Peavine subdivision to raise awareness about the amount of public lands open to mining. | Photo Credit: GBRW 1872 Mining Law
Metal mining, unlike any other major industry, is governed by a law written nearly 140 years ago. The General Mining Act of 1872 essentially establishes mining as the highest and best use of U.S. public lands. More than 270 million acres of our public lands are open to mining - almost 1/4 of the landmass in the United States. In Nevada, mining interests control more than 2.5 million acres of public land - an area larger than Yellowstone National Park.
With the rapid growth and development in Great Basin urban and rural areas, mining no longer takes place in "Nowhere, Nevada." Because public land is open to exploration and claim staking, mines can occur near subdivisions, recreation sites and wilderness areas. Federal officials are often unable to stop proposed mines that are inappropriate or potentially hazardous. Learn about Oil-Dri kitty litter mine.
Briggs mine is located on the boundary of Death Valley National Park in the Panamint Mountains. Many parties agree that the 1872 mining law is sorely in need of reform. It's the oldest law on the books that governs the activities of a major industry.
Great Basin Resource Watch and its allies call for the following reform measures:
- Give federal land managers and communities the authority to say no to inappropriate or hazardous mining projects.
- Require mining companies to pay an 8% gross-proceeds royalty on hardrock minerals extracted from public lands.
- Require proper reclamation of sites when mines close. Abandoned NV mines.
- Require mines to post bonds for cleanup of mine sites. See corporate guarantees.
- Reform state policy to put limits on "water mining" and strengthen water pollution controls. Learn more about water mining.
|
