No Unilateral Withdrawal of Uranium Mining in Arizona
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In July 2009, Secretary Salazar proposed the withdrawal of nearly one million acres of federal lands in the Arizona Strip (BLM) and Kaibab National Forest (USFS) from location and entry under the Mining Law of 1872 for up to 20 years, subject to valid existing rights.
The Bureau of Land Management has now published a Draft EIS which puts forth four alternatives for action:
* Alternative A is the No Action Alternative, under which no withdrawal would occur and hardrock mineral exploration and mining would continue throughout the study area in accordance with existing BLM and Forest Service regulations and land use plans.
* Alternative B is to withdraw about 1 million acres from hardrock mineral exploration and mining for 20 years subject to valid existing rights. The land is in three parcels: two are north of the Grand Canyon National Park on BLM Arizona Strip and Kaibab National Forest lands; and one is south of the Grand Canyon also in the Kaibab National Forest. The authority for the withdrawal comes from Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. If implemented, this withdrawal would not prevent any other development under laws regulating mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, mineral materials or public lands.
* Alternative C is to withdraw a reduced area of about 650,000 acres from hardrock mineral exploration and mining for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. This is the largest contiguous area with resources that could be adversely affected by mineral exploration and mining. The resources potentially affected are cultural, hydrologic, recreational, visual, and biologic.
* Alternative D is to withdraw a further reduced area of about 300,000 acres from hardrock mineral exploration and mining for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. This is the largest contiguous area with the highest concentration of resources that could adversely be affected by mineral exploration and mining.
A decision to withdraw the lands would prohibit the filing of new mining claims in a vast area that has historically been open to minerals location/development. We believe the only responsible response is Alternative A.
Call to Action:
Roundtable Member The Northwest Mining Association is among the leaders of a grassroots effort to respond to the BLM request for comments on the DEIS. We strongly urge you to take a moment to add your voice to their effort. BLM is taking public input on its alternatives through May 4th.
You can access the campaign here. Please help. Participation will take only a few moments of your time.
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