House Natural Resources Committee Overhauls the 1872 Mining Law

A news release from Earthworks 10/24/2007

Full House of Representatives could vote on mining reform next week

When the 1872 Mining Law is really reformed, mining will finally lose its "celebrity" status on public lands

Victory! -- phase 1
Thanks in part to EARTHWORKS activists who have Representatives on the Committee, on October 23rd the House Natural Resources Committee took the first step towards reforming the 1872 Mining Law.

Approval by the Resources committee represents only the third time mining reform has advanced this far since the 1872 Mining Law was passed 135 years ago.

To become law, mining reform will have to be approved by the full House of Representatives, the Senate, and the president. If all goes well, this will happen sometime next year.

Another vote next week?
The entire House of Representatives will vote on HR 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 , as early as next week.

We'll be sending another alert before then -- so please stay tuned!

For more information about the 1872 Mining Law, and efforts to reform it, please visit www.miningreform.org .