Why the U.S. Needs Mine Permitting Reform
May 23, 2023
Nearly two decades ago, the U.S. attracted almost 20 percent of t...
Congressman Raul Grijalva’s Mining Bill Hampers US National, Economic, and Energy Security
The U.S. mining industry deserves and requires our support:
- Mining directly and indirectly employs more than 1.5 million jobs, paying almost $100 million in labor income.
- Annually, mining generates some $17 billion in federal, state, and local taxes that support direct, indirect and induced taxes of $42 billion.
- The industry pays ~45% of earnings in federal, state, and local royalties, taxes, and other fees to benefit local communities and the U.S. government.
Yet, these benefits only begin to explain why Representative Raul Grijalva’s (D-Ariz) aim to overhaul the Mining Law is a bad idea.
Simply put, Rep. Grijalva’s bill: 1) demonstrates a misunderstanding of how U.S. mining is regulated, 2) would impose punitive high royalties (12.5% gross), and 3) would crush the competitiveness of our hardrock mining industry.