Mining reform legislation introduced in Congress

Friday, Aug. 1, 1997 | 2:30 a.m.

The legislation, introduced on Thursday, includes a 5 percent royalty on mining profits made from operations on public lands.

"Nobody in Congress disputes the need for mining law reform, but contrary to the opinions of some in the administration, you don't have to ruin the hardrock mining industry to enact reasonable reform," Reid said.

"The legislation that our bipartisan group of senators is introducing proposes reasonable reform without devastating one of the nation's most important industries."

Nevada is the nation's largest gold producer. Previous attempts in Congress to amend the mining law have failed.

"For too long, Nevada's mining companies have operated under great uncertainty while Congress has wrestled with this issue," Bryan said. "This bill is a fair approach which addresses the concerns about mining royalties, protection of the environment and reclamation while ensuring a strong mining industry in the United States."

The legislation is cosponsored by Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.

Murkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said he would scheduled a hearing on the proposal after Congress returns from its August recess.

"This bill will help carry us the last mile and provide the balanced reform that has, so far, eluded us," Murkowski said in a written statement.