Minerals in an environmental context. [From 1980 Mineral Economics Symposium]

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Mater. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6530930

Golten, R

Two major issues involving (1) uranium and molybdenum mining in Colorado and (2) exploration in the Black Hills illustrate the current conflicts between resource development and conservation. The environmental laws behind these issues involve withdrawal policies of the 1872 Mining Act which many consider to be the wrong answer to land management. A review of subsequent legislation traces the shift from commercial to environmental interests. This brought a hardship to industry, although a policy shift to a more-balanced position is likely during the 1980s, when the major issues will be the internalization of environmental-protection costs, the opportunity to amass enough land for sophisticated mining technology, access regulations, and regional land-use planning. If political power in these issues shifts from Washington to the states and from the confrontational to a negotiating mode, industry and conservation interests can develop mutually acceptable institutional mechanisms for problem solving. (DCK)

• Research Organization: National Wildlife Federation, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6530930
• Journal Information: Mater. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Mater. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 5:1; ISSN MSOCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
LAND USE
LAWS
MINERAL INDUSTRY
MINING LAWS
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT