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Niobium and Tantalum
January 2005 by Edgar B. Heylmun, PhD
Niobium (columbium) and tantalum are related metals that usually occur together and are associated with vanadium on the periodic chart of the elements. Both metals have seen increased usage in high-tech applications in recent years because of increased availability.Legislative and Regulatory Update
• EPA declares carbon dioxide a threat to environment
• Suction dredging update for California
• California Fish & Game director resigns
• More Merced River restrictions
The Bawl Mill
• The dog ate my homework
• Boating in Afghanistan?
From the Editor
You will find a few articles in this issue that you wouldn’t normally expect to see in the Journal. Don’t fret—we’re not changing our focus, but the time seemed right to address a few pressing topics.
How to Upgrade Your Pocket Plunger

Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Idaho continues toward elimination of EPA suction dredging regulations
• EPA makes preemptive strike against Alaska mine
• Proposed Mines Act permit fees
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• This is a friendly reminder
• Homebuilders’ case may help miners
• “Ecological resources must be protected…”
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The Bawl Mill
• Convention Report
• Interview with Congressman Gibbons on Mining Law Reform
• The Art of Finding Coarse Gold Part II—Pocket Hunting for Residual Placers
• Gold Canyon Resources Targets Gallium
• Tucson Mountain Chaos
• Picks & Pans: Auburn Ravine Gold
• Suit Filed to Stop Mining in Northern California
• The Iola Mine Group, Montgomery County, North Carolina
• Effectively Using a Detector and Drywasher for Placer Gold
• Mining Companies Use Conservative Valuations
• Company Notes
• Accident at Robinson Mine Leaves Two Dead
• Looking Back
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices