JA Supports Congressional Action on U.S. Mining Law Reform

Jewelers of America (JA) has delivered a letter to members of the House of Representatives, urging them to vote affirmatively today (Wednesday) for H.R. 2262, The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. 

The organization expressed support for enhanced viability of mining companies that produce jewelry’s raw materials, and criticized the current Mining Law for not addressing “the considerable impact of mining on watersheds, wildlife or local communities.”

“A successful vote will mean Congress is one step closer to reforming the outdated Mining Law of 1872,” JA President and CEO Matthew A. Runci says. “Our members have a direct stake in a healthy, profitable and responsible mining sector in the United States, and this legislation is a meaningful step forward in reaching that goal.”

In his letter on behalf of JA, Runci wrote, “Failure to modernize the law has proven expensive to Americans and to our environment,” adding that a reform is both necessary and urgent.

Runci’s letter stated that any reform bill should include the following provisions:

1)                 Protect the environment, and require strong standards for protecting air and water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and the health of local communities;

2)                 Protect outdoor values and resources – allow for a consideration of mining as well as other potential uses of our public lands, including conservation;

3)                 Provide a fair return to taxpayers from federal mineral resources – and a return that is adequate to begin to address our national legacy of abandoned mines;

4)                 Respect the interest of communities, whether their economies depend on the protection of surrounding public lands, other economic uses or mineral development – and allow them to participate in decisions about their land and communities.

If the House of Representatives passes H.R. 2262, consideration of mining reform will move to the Senate, where further changes in the bill are expected.

“Jewelers of America will continue to monitor mining reform legislation until we see the law changed,” says Runci.