Hardrock Mining in the U.S.: Background & Issues

Mining of Hardrock minerals on federal lands is governed primarily by the General Mining Law of 1872. The law grants free access to individuals and corporations to search for minerals in public domain lands, and allows them, upon making a discovery, to stake a claim on that deposit. A claim gives the holder the right to develop the minerals and may be patented to convey full title to the claimant. This book explores the issue of whether this law should be reformed, and if so, how to balance mineral development with competing land uses.