The House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, will hold a joint oversight field hearing on "Our National Forests at Risk: The 1872 Mining Law and its Impact on the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona." This hearing will examine the proposed Rosemont Mine, adjacent to the Santa Rita Mountains of the Coronado National Forest, and the Augusta Resource Corporation's request for use of public land in conjunction with its proposed mining operation. It will also focus on the suitability of the 1872 General Mining Law for permitting modern hardrock mines and mill sites.

Subject:
House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
"Our National Forests at Risk: The 1872 Mining Law and its Impact on the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona"

When:
Saturday, February 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

Where:
Pima County Administration Building
130 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ

Witnesses:
Mr. Harv Forsgren, Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service
Mr. Chuck Huckelberry, County Administrator, Pima County
Mr. Jamie Sturgess, Vice President, Projects and Environment, Augusta Resource Corporation
Mr. Roger Featherstone, Southwest Organizer, Earthworks
Ms. Lainie Levick, President, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas
Ms. Cynthia Lunine, Private Land Owner