Why Metalsmiths and Jewelers Care about Mining Law

America's 18th president, Ulysses Grant, signed a mining law in 1872 that remains the law of the land. Its purpose was to promote the settlement of publicly-owned lands in the west. The law prioritized mining over all other uses, land sold for $5 per acre and mining was done with a pick and shovel. Public land is still sold to mining companies, foreign and domestic, at rock bottom prices and mining still trumps all other uses. The law does not protect the environment from the impacts of large-scale industrial mining and, unlike the oil and gas industries, mining companies pay no royalties!

On January 27, Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV) introduced H.R.699, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009. The bill is almost identical to one that was passed by the last Congress. It would balance the need for mining against other land uses, establish environmental and reclamation standards and promote economic development by creating jobs for abandoned mine clean-up. There is new hope for passage this Congress as Senate Energy Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman has also identified mining reform as a priority for this Congress.

On April 2, Senator Jeff Bingaman introduced S. 796, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, to regulate the mining of hardrock minerals on public lands. This bill will create jobs and provide economic opportunities for rural communities while cleaning up a massive legacy of toxic mining pollution.

Passage of this bill would be a big step in improving mining practices in the United States. As jewelers and metalsmiths, we not only have a stake in the outcome, we are in a unique position to promote change. Please sign up for our mailing list so we can send you updates and let you know how you can help.