August 16, 2007                 

CONTACT: Allyson Groff, 202-226-9019

WASHINGTON, D.C. - For 135 years, failure to update the Mining Law of 1872 has allowed hardrock minerals, including gold, silver and copper, to be extracted from publicly-owned federal lands in the West with no royalties paid to the American people.

In an ongoing effort to examine sensible solutions to reform this antiquated law, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), will conduct a legislative field hearing on H.R. 2262 - legislation introduced in May by Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. The Subcommittee held a hearing in late July on the same topic.

Boasting the highest hardrock mineral production rates in the United States, Nevada is at the forefront of the mining industry. Witnesses will include Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who will provide testimony on the impact of potential reforms to the law.

Subject:       
House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
Legislative Field Hearing on "Nevada and H.R. 2262: Opportunities and Challenges in Reform of the 1872 Mining Law"

When:           
Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

Where:         
Western Folk Life Center
501 Railroad Street
Elko, Nevada

Witnesses:  

Panel I
The Honorable Harry Reid, D-NV, U. S. Senator

Panel II
Mr. Dan Randolph, Executive Director, Great Basin Mine Watch
Ms. Elaine Barkdull, Executive Director, Elko County Economic Diversification Authority
Mr. Bob Abbey, Former State Director, Nevada State Office, Bureau of Land Management
Mr. William Molini, Former Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife

Panel III
Mr. Dean Rhoads, State Senator, Nevada
Mr. Russ Fields, President, Nevada Mining Association
Mr. Ronald Parraat, President, AuEx Ventures, Inc.
Mr. Jon Hutchings, Eureka County Department of Natural Resources

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