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Mining ReformCampaigns      Affiliates  Partners   |
Special PlacesAn Antiquated Law Threatens America's Special Places  Senator William Stewart, father of the 1872 Mining Law & enabler of the destruction of the West's special places.The 1872 Mining Law governs all hardrock mining on public lands. President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law over 130 years ago, when the nation was focused on settling the West and exploiting natural resources, no matter the cost. Senator William Stewart, father of the 1872 Mining Law & enabler of the destruction of the West's special places. This is no small threat to our special places in the West. Large scale, modern gold, silver, copper and other metal mines physically destroy landscapes and widely pollute streams, rivers and groundwater. According to the EPA, mining is the country's largest source of toxic pollution, and more than 40% of stream reaches in the headwaters of western watersheds have been polluted by mining. The 1872 Mining Law, which was passed long before protection of special places and water resources became national priorities, is a major reason for this incredible track record. A Wilderness Threatened by a Silver Mine  Rock Creek valley. Credit: Doug DayThe mine is widely opposed by local neighboring communities. The Bonner County Commission and the City of Sandpoint have passed formal resolutions in opposition to the mine. Mining Law Reform is Needed to Protect Special Places Reform of the 1872 Mining Law is needed to protect special places like the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness from the destructive impacts of mining. A bill introduced by Congressmen Rahall (D-WV), Shays (R-CT) and Inslee (D-WA) would reform the 1872 Mining Law. In the process, the bill would protect our most cherished western places from mining -- for the present and for future generations. For More Information
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Community Voices Sansu, Ghana"AGC has the power to destroy my livelihood and also shoot me without any provocation." NewsUnchanged (for the Worse) Since 1872A New York Times editorial making the case for reforming the 1872 Mining Law. PublicationsModern Mining Law Fact Sheet1872 Mining Law Factoid #2The 1872 Mining Law: Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007The 1872 Mining Law: Paying the PriceThe 1872 Mining Law: Public Lands at RiskHardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007EARTHWORKS Cosponsorship Letter to Congress Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007Comparison of Predicted and Actual Water Quality at Hardrock MinesThe reliability of predictions in Environmental Impact Statements |