EPA's National Hardrock Mining Framework
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The Mining Law Review
The Mining Law Review Fifth Edition Editor Erik Richer La FlÈche Law Business Research The Mining Law Review Fifth Edition Editor Erik Richer La FlÈche Law Business Research Ltd PUBLISHER Gideon Roberton SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nick Barette BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Thomas Lee SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Felicity Bown, Joel Woods ACCOUNT MANAGERS Jessica Parsons, Jesse Rae Farragher MARKETING COORDINATOR Rebecca Mogridge EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Gavin Jordan HEAD OF PRODUCTION Adam Myers PRODUCTION EDITOR Claire Ancell SUBEDITOR Janina Godowska CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Paul Howarth Published in the United Kingdom by Law Business Research Ltd, London 87 Lancaster Road, London, W11 1QQ, UK © 2016 Law Business Research Ltd www.TheLawReviews.co.uk No photocopying: copyright licences do not apply. The information provided in this publication is general and may not apply in a specific situation, nor does it necessarily represent the views of authors’ firms or their clients. Legal advice should always be sought before taking any legal action based on the information provided. The publishers accept no responsibility for any acts or omissions contained herein. Although the information provided is accurate as of October 2016, be advised that this is a developing area. Enquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to Law Business Research, at the address above. Enquiries concerning editorial content should be directed to the Publisher – [email protected] ISBN 978-1-910813-30-0 Printed in Great Britain by Encompass Print Solutions, -
Underground Hard-Rock Mining: Subsidence and Hydrologic Environmental Impacts
Technical Report on Underground Hard-Rock Mining: Subsidence and Hydrologic Environmental Impacts By Steve Blodgett, M.S. and James R. Kuipers, P.E. Center for Science in Public Participation Bozeman, MT February 2002 Abstract: Subsidence and hydrology impacts occur at every underground mining operation bringing about changes to surface landforms, ground water and surface water. Although the same impacts to mining operations, man-made surface structures and other features are relatively well known and studied, the environmental impacts related to subsidence and hydrology at underground mines are not well known and have not been extensively described. This report examines the occurrence and environmental impacts of subsidence and effects on hydrology at underground hard-rock metal mines in the U.S. and abroad. Technical and scientific literature is cited on the cause and effect of underground mining on surface landforms and water resources. Existing laws and recommended regulatory provisions to address these impacts are discussed. Conclusions about subsidence and hydrologic impacts at underground hard-rock metal mines are provided along with recommendations for addressing those impacts. Case studies are provided from copper, molybdenum, silver and other hard-rock mines where significant subsidence and hydrology-related environmental impacts have occurred. The Center for Science in Public Participation (CSP2) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional technical assistance to public interest groups; state, tribal and federal governments; and industry. This report has been published with financial support from various foundations and individuals, and from the Mineral Policy Center and Amigos Bravos. The opinions contained in this study are those of the authors and are based solely upon their own scientific and technical knowledge and expertise. -
Mining's Toxic Legacy
Mining’s Toxic Legacy An Initiative to Address Mining Toxins in the Sierra Nevada Acknowledgements _____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Sierra Fund would like to thank Dr. Carrie Monohan, contributing author of this report, and Kyle Leach, lead technical advisor. Thanks as well to Dr. William M. Murphy, Dr. Dave Brown, and Professor Becky Damazo, RN, of California State University, Chico for their research into the human and environmental impacts of mining toxins, and to the graduate students who assisted them: Lowren C. McAmis and Melinda Montano, Gina Grayson, James Guichard, and Yvette Irons. Thanks to Malaika Bishop and Roberto Garcia for their hard work to engage community partners in this effort, and Terry Lowe and Anna Reynolds Trabucco for their editorial expertise. For production of this report we recognize Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin of The Sierra Fund for conceiving of and coordinating the overall Initiative and writing substantial portions of the document, Kerry Morse for editing, and Emily Rivenes for design and formatting. Many others were vital to the development of the report, especially the members of our Gold Ribbon Panel and our Government Science and Policy Advisors. We also thank the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment and The Abandoned Mine Alliance who provided funding to pay for a portion of the expenses in printing this report. Special thanks to Rebecca Solnit, whose article “Winged Mercury and -
CORONAQUARRY Surface Mining Permit & Revised Reclamation Plan
CORONAQUARRY Surface Mining Permit & Revised Reclamation Plan City of Corona Permit No. 93-01 State of California Mine ID No. 91-33-0027 Prepared for: 500 North Brand Avenue, Suite 500 Glendale, CA 91203 Prepared by: RGP Planning & Development Services 8921 Research Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Submi ed to: City of Corona Community Development Department 400 South Vicen a Avenue Corona, CA 92882 March 2013 CORONA QUARRY Surface Mining Permit & Revised Reclamation Plan City of Corona Permit 93-01 State of California Mine ID No. 91-33-0027 Prepared For: Vulcan Materials Company, West Region 500 North Brand Avenue, Suite 500 Glendale, CA 91203 (818) 553-8800 Prepared By: RGP Planning & Development Services 8921 Research Drive Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 450-0171 Submitted To: City of Corona Community Development Department 400 S. Vicentia Ave. Corona, CA 92882 (951) 736-2262 March 2013 Table of Contents 1.0 General Project Information ......................................................................................... 6 1.1 Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................................ 6 1.2 Entitlement History ............................................................................................................ 6 1.3 Objectives of Amended Project ......................................................................................... 10 1.4 PCC-Quality Aggregate Regional Needs Assessment ............................................................ 11 1.5 Comparison of 1989 -
Backfilling of Open-Pit Metallic Mines1
BACKFILLING OF OPEN-PIT METALLIC MINES1 Stephen M. Testa,2 and James S. Pompy Abstract: Thirty years ago, the Congress of the United States required that coal mines be backfilled as a routine element of reclamation when it passed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Until recently, that concept has not been generally applied to non-coal surface mines. In 2003, California’s State Mining and Geology Board (Board) evaluated reclamation of open pit metallic mines in the state and determined that they were not being reclaimed, despite California’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA). As a result, the Board issued regulations for the backfilling of open-pit metallic mines. The need for such regulation reflected several issues. Open-pit metallic mineral mines often create very large excavations. In addition, metallic mineral mines that employ the cyanide heap leach method for mineral segregation and collection frequently generate very large leach piles which create long term soil and groundwater contamination conditions. It is the intent of SMARA that completed mine sites present no additional dangers to the public health and safety, and that the mined lands are returned to an alternate, useful condition. To date, no large, open pit metallic mines in California have been returned to the conditions contemplated by SMARA, and these sites continue to pose significant environmental problems. The goal of the Board’s regulations was to require mining companies to address the problems identified above and to take responsibility for cleaning up their mine sites after the completion of surface mining operations, and return them to a condition that allows alternative uses and avoids environmental harms, thereby meeting the purpose and intent of SMARA. -
Mining Law Trends
Denver Law Review Volume 54 Issue 2 Article 13 February 2021 Mining Law Trends H. Byron Mock Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/dlr Recommended Citation H. Byron Mock, Mining Law Trends, 54 Denv. L.J. 567 (1977). This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Denver Law Review at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Denver Law Review by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact [email protected],[email protected]. MINING LAW TRENDS By H. BYRON MOCK* INTRODUCTION Bob Clark, Phil Hoff, and two other colleagues included a fine and well-reasoned caveat in the report of the Public Land Law Review commission.' I have too much respect for their opin- ions to challenge them without quite a bit of thought. However, they adopt the basic premise that the Mineral Lands Leasing System is so good that it will accomplish all things. Mineral leasing will supposedly fill our need for energy and resource devel- opment, provide for the opportunity for the creation of new wealth, and make it economically possible to develop new mines. But it just isn't so. The Mining Law of 18722 is so continually under this kind of attack, there must be something good about it.3 How else can we * Partner in Mock, Shearer, and Carling and President, Mineral Records, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah. PUBLIC LAND LAW REVIEW COMMISSION, ONE THIRD OF THE NATION'S LAND 130, 132 (1970) [hereinafter cited as PLLRC REPORT]. -
Modern Mining Needs a Modern Mining Law
EARTHWORKS FACTSHEET Modern Mining Needs a Modern Mining Law Pollution and Taxpayer Liability at Modern Mines Demonstrate that the Existing Patchwork of Laws does not Adequately Protect Communities and their Water The hardrock mining industry argues that pollution from mines result almost entirely from historic operations. “Modern” mines, the industry argues, are governed by numerous statutes and regulations and are environmentally responsible, problem-free operations.1 Unfortunately, the assertion that that all modern mines are clean, is simply not true. Consider: • A 2006 peer-reviewed study of modern mines revealed that more than 75% of the mines reviewed exceeded water quality standards.2 • At least 16 modern mines have gone bankrupt.3 • Unfunded taxpayer liability at currently operating mines probably exceeds $12 billion.4 It is true that historic mining polluted and continues to pollute rivers, streams and aquifers. Until 1976, there were no federal regulations written specifically to govern hardrock mining operations on publicly owned land. But, it is also clear from the issues at modern mines that the patchwork of laws that govern hardrock mining operations are not enough to ensure that western watersheds and communities are protected. Mines that began operations in the past three decades – three decades in which the mining industry was governed by modern environmental laws – have spilled cyanide, killed aquatic life, caused pollution that will require treatment in perpetuity and burdened the taxpayers with enormous liabilities. Many Modern Mines Exceed Current Water Quality Standards In order to be permitted, a proposed mine must predict that it will comply with applicable environmental standards. At the time they are permitted, all modern mining operations predict that they will comply with applicable standards during and after mining operations. -
Surface Mining Methods and Equipment - J
CIVIL ENGINEERING – Vol. II - Surface Mining Methods and Equipment - J. Yamatomi and S. Okubo SURFACE MINING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT J. Yamatomi and S. Okubo University of Tokyo, Japan Keywords: Mining method, surface mining, open pit mining, open cast mining, placer mining, solution mining, leaching, stripping ratio, mining machinery, excavation, cutting, grading, loading, ditching Contents 1. Surface Mining Methods 1.1.Classification of Surface Mining Methods 1.2. Open Pit vs. Underground Mining Methods 1.3. Open Pit Mining 1.4. Open Cast Mining 1.5. Placer Mining 1.6 Solution Mining 2. Surface Mining Machinery Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketches Summary This chapter deals with surface mining. Section 1 presents an overview of surface mining methods and practices as commonly employed in modern surface mining operations. The description includes a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of surface and underground mining as well as brief explanations of open pit, open cast, placer, and solution mining operations. Section 2 describes surface mining equipment with particular focus on relatively large machines such as bucket wheel excavators, large shovels and draglines. 1. Surface Mining Methods UNESCO – EOLSS After a mineral deposit has been discovered, delineated, and evaluated, the most appropriate mining method is selected based on technical, economic, and environmentally accountable considerations. The first step in selecting the most appropriate miningSAMPLE method is to compare the CHAPTERS economic efficiency of extraction of the deposit by surface and underground mining methods. This section reviews surface mining methods and practices. 1.1. Classification of Surface Mining Methods Extraction of mineral or energy resources by operations exclusively involving personnel working on the surface without provision of manned underground operations is referred to as surface mining. -
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Final Programmatic
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Final Programmatic Biological Opinion and Conference Opinion on the United States Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Title V Regulatory Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services Program Division of Environmental Review Falls Church, Virginia October 16, 2020 Table of Contents 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................3 2 Consultation History .........................................................................................................4 3 Background .......................................................................................................................5 4 Description of the Action ...................................................................................................7 The Mining Process .............................................................................................................. 8 4.1.1 Exploration ........................................................................................................................ 8 4.1.2 Erosion and Sedimentation Controls .................................................................................. 9 4.1.3 Clearing and Grubbing ....................................................................................................... 9 4.1.4 Excavation of Overburden and Coal ................................................................................ -
MINING in NATIONAL FORESTS Protection of Surface Resources 1
MINING IN NATIONAL FORESTS Protection of Surface Resources 1 Mineral Resources of the National Forest System The 192-million-acre National Forest System is an important part of the Nation’s resource base. As directed by the Organic Administration Act of 1897 and the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960, the National Forests are managed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service for continuous production of their renewable resources – timber, clean water, wildlife habitat, forage for livestock and outdoor recreation. Although not renewable, minerals are also important resources of the National Forests. In fact, they are vital to the Nation’s welfare. By accident of category and geology, the National Forests contain much of the country’s remaining stores of mineral – prime examples being the National Forests of the Rocky Mountains, the Basin and Range Province, the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Ranges, the Alaska Coast range, and the States of Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Less known by apparently good mineral potential exists in the southern and eastern National Forests. Geologically, National Forest System lands contain some of the most favorable host rocks for mineral deposits. Approximately 6.5 million acres are known to be underlain by coal. Approximately 45 million acres or one-quarter of National Forest System lands have potential for oil and gas, while about 300,000 acres within the Pacific Coast and Great Basin States have potential for geothermal resource development. Within the past few years, the energy shortage in this country has reminded us that the Nation’s mineral resources are limited. As with oil supplies, there will undoubtedly be tightening of world supplies of minerals. -
What Is Natural Resources Law?
Maurer School of Law: Indiana University Digital Repository @ Maurer Law Articles by Maurer Faculty Faculty Scholarship 2007 What Is Natural Resources Law? Robert L. Fischman Indiana University Maurer School of Law, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/facpub Part of the Environmental Law Commons, and the Natural Resources Law Commons Recommended Citation Fischman, Robert L., "What Is Natural Resources Law?" (2007). Articles by Maurer Faculty. 197. https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/facpub/197 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Faculty Scholarship at Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Articles by Maurer Faculty by an authorized administrator of Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WHAT IS NATURAL RESOURCES LAW? ROBERT L. FISCHMAN* INTRODUCTION Natural resources law is a field with divided loyalties. It has one foot in statutory, administrative law and the other in common law property. Within the ambit of environmental con- cerns, management of natural resources looms large. It can justifiably claim an important role in any course of study in en- vironmental law. Similarly, any advanced property curriculum ought to consider the myriad forms of rights and allocative schemes in natural resources law. Yet, many practitioners and professors identify themselves as specialists in the field of natural resources, rather than in a natural resources sub- specialty of environmental or property law. Indeed, this analy- sis began as a contribution to a panel discussion sponsored by the natural resources law section, which is separate from the environmental law section, of the Association of American Law Schools. -
Overview of Underground Mining Business
IR-DAY2018 1 Komatsu IR-DAY 2018 Overview of Underground mining business September 14th, 2018 Masayuki Moriyama Senior Executive Officer President, Mining Business Division Chairman, Komatsu Mining Corp. IR-DAY2018 Various Mineral Resources 2 • Mineral resources are generated through several geologic effects. • Coal is usually categorized as Soft Rock, while other minerals such as Ferrous and Non-Ferrous are called as Hard Rock. # Generation of deposits Major Mineral Resources Platinum, Chromium, Magmatic deposit Titanium, Magnetite Generated Hard Igneous ① from Rock rock Magma Gold, Copper, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Hydrothermal Tin, Tungsten, deposit Molybdenum, Uranium Sedimentation/Weathering/ Erosion Sedime Hematite, Nickel, ② ntary Boxite, Lithium, etc rock Geothermal effect/Crustal rising Soft Rock *1 ③ Coal - ※1 Coal is not defined as “rock” in geological respect. Generation process of IR-DAY2018 Mineral Resources (1/2) 3 • Minerals derived from magma were generated in the depths of underground. 1) In case deposits exist beneath and relatively near from ground level, Open Pit Mining/Strip Mining methods are adopted. 2) In case deposits exist in the depths below geological formations, Underground Mining methods are adopted. 3) Open pit mines might shift to underground methods as they get deeper. 1.Magmatic deposit 2.Hydrothermal deposit 1) Typical minerals: 1) Typical minerals: Platinum, Chromium, Titanium, Gold, Copper, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Tin, Magnetite, etc. Tungsten, Molybdenum, Uranium, etc. 2) Generation process 2) Generation process ・In case Magma is slowly cooled, ・Hydrothermal mineral solution melted metal sulfide (containing Platinum, (containing metal elements) had been Chromium, Titanium or others) had been pushed up by high vapor pressure, separated and concentrated by specific precipitated and filled chasms in and gravity and generated deposit.