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Tuesday 9 OcTOber 2018

New mining claims banned on prized land near Yellowstone

EMIGRANT, Mont. (AP) — ban would make it impos-
U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan sible for Lucky Minerals or
Zinke approved a 20-year any company to develop
ban on new mining claims mines.
in the towering mountains "When you take the public
north of Yellowstone Na- lands out of the equation,
tional Park on Monday, it really dampens it," said
after two proposed gold Bryan Wells, who lives in
mines raised concerns that the small community of Old
an area drawing tourists Chico at the base of Emi-
from the around the globe grant Peak.
could be spoiled. Asked about Lucky Miner-
As Zinke signed the mineral al's plans, Zinke he did not
ban at an outdoor ceremo- see a path forward for the
ny in Montana's Paradise company. He cited in part
Valley, a bank of clouds the extensive environmen-
behind him broke apart to tal reviews that would be
reveal the snow-covered needed for such a project.
sides of Emigrant Peak. The The administration's support
picturesque, 10,915-foot for the ban is notable given
(3,327-meter) mountain President Donald Trump's
has been at the center of outspoken advocacy for
the debate over whether the mining industry and his
mining should be allowed. criticism of government
The former Montana con- regulations said to stifle
gressman was joined by lo- economic development.
cal officials, business own- The proposal has received
ers and others who pushed bipartisan backing in Mon-
for the ban after compa- tana, where Democrats
nies several years ago be- U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, center, is surrounded by residents, business people and family and Republicans alike
members as he signs a 20-year mining moratorium on lands in Paradise Valley, Mont. on Monday,
gan drafting plans for new Oct. 8, 2018 at Sage Resort in Pray, Mont. have been eager to cast
mines in an area frequent- Associated Press themselves as protectors of
ed by wolves, elk, bears the natural beauty of the
and other wildlife. the Custer Gallatin Nation- said the area includes his- cally feasible. Yellowstone region.
"I'm a pro-mining guy. I love al Forest, but the under- torical mining districts that One company so far has Colin Davis with the Yel-
hardrock" mining, Zinke ground minerals are over- shouldn't be barred from not backed down. John lowstone Gateway Business
said. "But there are places seen by the Interior Depart- future development. Min- Mears, president of Lucky Coalition said the group will
to mine and places not to ment. ing claims give their holders Minerals, said the company now focus on making the
mine." The rocky peaks and forest- legal rights to explore for plans to press ahead with ban permanent through
Zinke's order extends a ed stream valleys covered minerals. exploration work next year pending measures in Con-
temporary ban imposed by the ban are popular Monday's action does not on private lands around gress.
in 2016 under former Presi- with hikers and other recre- stop mining on private land Emigrant Peak that are in- "Our eye is still on perma-
dent Barack Obama on ational users. Wildlife roam or take away pre-existing side the area where mining nent legislation," said Davis,
new claims for gold, silver back and forth across the mining claims on public has been banned. owner of Chico Hot Springs
and other minerals on 47 Yellowstone border, and lands. But supporters said it Mears was parked down Resort. "The prize is perma-
square miles (122 square the scars of historical min- would make a large-scale the road from the site of nent legislation so we're
kilometers) of public lands ing still are visible on some mine in the area much less Monday's event with a not doing this again in 20
in the Paradise Valley and hillsides. likely because public lands large sign propped against years."
Gardiner Basin. Mining companies and would be needed to make his truck that read, "Sec. The House Natural Resourc-
Most of the land is within industry representatives such a project economi- Zinke ... Why won't you es Committee on Sept. 26
meet with me?" approved permanent with-
"It's up to the government drawal legislation spon-
to decide if we have valid sored by Republican U.S.
existing rights but in the Rep. Greg Gianforte. The
meantime we'll carry on," Senate Energy and Natural
Mears said. "We won't be Resources Committee last
able to acquire any more week approved identical
ground, but we have legislation from Democrat-
enough." ic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester that's
Mining opponents ex- also backed by Republican
pressed optimism that the U.S. Sen. Steve Daines.q