We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The Mining Law of 1872: Change is Overdue.
- Authors
Woody, Carol Ann; Hughes, Robert M.; Wagner, Eric J.; Quinn, Thomas P.; Roulson, Leanne H.; Martin, Lori M.; Griswold, Kitty
- Abstract
Hardrock mining for metals has been, and is, an economically important land use in all western U.S. states. However, metals contamination associated with mining can be highly toxic to aquatic life, the composition of metal-bearing rock often leads to acid mine drainage and increased concentrations of dissolved metals, and mine-related disruptions to soil and water often produce excess fine sediments and altered stream flows. Such environmental degradation leads to large numbers of perpetually polluted streams and impaired aquatic life and fisheries. The primary U.S. law governing mining, the General Mining Law of 1872, was passed during the pick-and-shovel era to encourage economic growth; however, modern mining processes are massive in extent, highly mechanized, and incorporate additional toxic chemicals for leaching metals from ores. We provide an overview of hardrock mining impacts to aquatic life, a set of mining case studies, and suggestions for amending U.S. mining law. Our hope is that this article will lead to improved management and rehabilitation of existing mine sites and sufficient protections for the aquatic life and fisheries likely to be disturbed by future mines.
- Subjects
UNITED States; MINERAL industries; HARD rock minerals; METALS &; the environment; MINES &; mineral resources &; the environment; ACID mine drainage; WATER pollution; MINING law; HARD rock minerals industry
- Publication
Fisheries, 2010, Vol 35, Issue 7, p321
- ISSN
0363-2415
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1577/1548-8446-35.7.321