WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Mining Association (NMA) today issued the following statement from Rich Nolan, NMA president and CEO, on the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision in Earthworks, et al v. DOI, affirming the lower court’s decision that the Mining Law does not impose a strict limit on the number of mill sites that can be used for ancillary purposes.
Nolan said, “By reaffirming the law and the legal certainty needed to conduct mining operations here in the U.S., this decision is not only a victory for mining but also for the U.S. economy, which is so inextricably linked with our industry. Congressional intent with the mining law is clear – and, indeed, common sense requires – that mining operations must be able to use surrounding land to support mining activities, in ways that are appropriate for each unique site and consistent with the statutory requirements for mill site use. This case was never about the law, it was about the plaintiffs’ desire to use litigation to obstruct all mining operations in the U.S.; we appreciate the D.C. Circuit’s recognition of it as such.”
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