Hardrock Mining Issues

This book, the result of a congressionally mandated study, examines the adequacy of the regulatory framework for mining of hardrock mineralsâ€"such as gold, silver, copper, and uraniumâ€"on over 350 million acres of federal lands in the western United States. These lands are managed by two agenciesâ€"the Bureau of Land Management in the Department of the Interior, and the Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture. 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.

Identifies five factors that most critically affect the profitability of deep underground hard-rock mining: vertical ore and waste transport; horizontal ore and waste transport; ventilation; mine development; and personnel and materials distribution. Each of these factors has been analyzed, theoretically and through two case studies, determines their relative strategic significance. Solutions to the problems currently being faced by deep mine operators are also discussed.

This book focuses on the reclamation of waste storage areas, which constitute the main source of pollution during and after mine operations, especially issues with acid mine drainage and neutral contaminated drainage. It prioritizes the chemical stability of mine wastes over their physical stability.

Hardrock mining : issues relating to abandoned mine lands and uranium mining : hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, second session, to receive testimony on hardrock mining: issues relating to abandoned mine lands and uranium mining, March 12, 2008.