Natural Resources and Environment

An assessment of trends in hardrock mining in the United States is provided and recommendations are made to reform the Mining Law of 1872 so that current needs and values associated with public land mineral resources can be accommodated. This report is particularly concerned with promoting reform that will provide for social and environmental necessities while not adversely affecting mineral availability in the United States. Objectives of resource development and environmental protection can be reasonably compatible. However, adequate protection of environmental quality must be included in the cost of doing business. The most feasible approach to mining law reform includes legislation containing provisions to assure compliance with today’s needs relating to equity, environmental quality, and sound land-use planning, while retaining provisions to encourage exploration.