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GAO-22-105438 1 (2021-11-16)

handle is hein.gao/gaomkb0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Context and Federal Role Hardrock mining operations consist of four primary stages. These stages are mineral exploration, mine development, mineral production, and reclamation (generally removing mine structures and restoring disturbed lands). Some stages can take place simultaneously. GAO-16-165 Mining is managed on federal lands using two systems. Two federal agencies-the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service-are responsible for managing hardrock mining activities on federal lands. The agencies use two systems to do so, depending on the type of lands: - The location system is generally used on public domain lands, which account for 90 percent of federal lands. - The leasing system is generally used on acquired lands, which account for 10 percent of federal lands. GAO-21- 299, GAO-20-461 R Most mining operations on federal lands are managed under the location system. As of 2018, 97 percent of hardrock mining operations were authorized under the location system, and 3 percent were authorized under the leasing system. GAO-21-299, GAO-20-461R There were differences in views about the systems among a broad range of stakeholders GAO interviewed in 2020. For example, the following are characteristics that these stakeholders generally described as advantages of each system: - Location system. Industry stakeholders' comments reflected a general emphasis on certainty and assurance that federal lands will be open and available for exploration, that operators will be able to develop the deposits they find, and that they will have ample time to accommodate the mine development process. - Leasing system. Tribal government and public interest stakeholders' comments reflected a general emphasis on equitably balancing mining with other land uses, the public having the opportunity to participate in land-use decisions, and mining not precluding other future uses of the land. GAO-21-299 Mining systems differ primarily in the first three stages: mineral exploration, mine development, and mineral production Source: GAO analysis of laws, regulations, and Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service documents. I GAO-22-105438 Page 1 GAO-22-105438 Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands Page 1 GAO-22-105438 Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands

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