As the price of gold and other “hard rock” minerals rises, the need to change the 135-year old law that established the claim and patent system on public lands grows.
Key U.S. Senate Committee hears about the need for mining reforms. By Staci Matlock. The New Mexican.
Mining claims rise near Western cities. By Judy Pasternak, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
The New West: Mine Claims Crowd Booming Cities. Mining Industry, Still Regulated by 1872 Law, Is Nation’s Top Polluter. Environmental Working Group.
Here is a map of the thousands of mining claims. Environmental Working Group.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project.
