An analysis of the politics affecting hardrock mining in the New York Times suggests that western lawmakers and the Republican-controlled House will prevent changes to the hardrock mining laws from being considered by Congress this session. [right, Morenci copper mine, AZ. My photo, 2008]
Mining opponents want to do away with patenting of claims, give recreation higher priority over mining and impose royalties on production. The President's budget proposal calls for royalties, saying "Just as the coal industry is held responsible for the actions of its predecessors, the Administration proposes to hold the hardrock mining industry responsible for abandoned hardrock mines."
Mining proponents argue that U.S. mining has declined and the country is increasingly reliant on imported minerals, such as rare earths.
Lets continue to give our land away. Canadian Mining companies get our land for nothing, then leave us with a garabage dump of sulphide rich rocks,which lead to AMD which ends up in our water sources, our most precious resource. Most law makers are paid off by the mining companies in the form of political donations. Name one open pit mine that has been restored to its natural state. Its time that the true cost of mining is calculated.Then we might actually say no to some of these projects.
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