Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands

The committee concludes that the complex network of state and federal laws that regulate hardrock mining on federal lands is generally effective in providing environmental protection, but improvements are needed in the way the laws are implemented and some regulatory gaps need to be addressed. The book makes specific recommendations for improvement, including:

• The development of an enhanced information management system and a more efficient process to review new mining proposals and issue permits.
• Changes to regulations that would require all mining operations, other than "casual use" activities that negligibly disturb the environment, to provide financial assurances for eventual site cleanup.
• Changes to regulations that would require all mining and milling operations (other than casual use) to submit operating plans in advance.