Magazine

Legislation & Regulation

Proof Mining Districts Work!

July 2016 by Scott Harn

For the past couple years we’ve been harping on miners to locate the original bylaws for their Mining Districts and get them organized if they are in disarray. That’s because Mining Districts are federally recognized entities with the power and authority to create their own regulations and to seek coordination status with local, state and federal agencies.

This power was written into the 1872 Mining Law, which specifically states:

“...and according to the local customs or rules of miners in the several mining districts...”

If you need more proof that having an organized Mining District can help you, look no further than the recently proposed Methow Headwaters Withdrawal in north-central Washington State.

The Slate Creek Mining District in Washington State is a traditional Mining District that was in disarray. The Minerals and Mining Advisory Council, Public Lands for the People, along with us here at the Mining Journal, provided guidance to help them put things back in order.

The Slate Creek Mining District was originally established in 1894 in Whatcom County, Washington. They were able to locate the original bylaws and we published a Public Notice on their behalf. Thirty-two concerned claimholders arrived at the first meeting to get re-established. A new board was elected and we assisted them with properly notifying federal agencies.

Along came the recently proposed “Methow Headwaters Protection Act of 2016” by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The Slate Creek Mining District was not consulted regarding this proposal, so the government had no choice but to leave the Slate Creek Mining District out of the proposed withdrawal.

If you are tired of getting withdrawals and closures forced down your throat, get your traditional Mining District organized. We published step-by-step instructions again in our June 2016 issue. The ball is in your court.

by Scott Harn

Next Article »« Previous Article

Add a Comment

Additional articles that might interest you...

PLP Update

November 2018

During discussions with other property rights advocates and members of the current administration, Karen Budd-Falen’s name was mentioned many times as a possible director for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

PLP and MMAC Update

February 2018

The current administration is receptive; we believe the time is ripe to push for a return to reasonable regulations and to restore mining to a priority for public lands as long as some new crisis doesn’t take precedent.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

January 2016
• More roadblocks in southern California
• Greater Sage-grouse withdrawals

California to Allow Suction Dredging in 2019?

June 2018

There are a few questions you will need to ask yourself before you apply for a suction dredge permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

June 2016

• AEMA joins Sage-grouse lawsuit

• People v. Rinehart

A 'Rare' Opportunity for America

June 2019

All of which brings us back to the question of why we rely so heavily on China in the first place. America’s economy is heavily dependent upon energy and telecommunications, but does that require Chinese manufacturing? Clearly not.

Legislative And Regulatory Update

October 2011
• Good news on EPA regs
• California rewards key appointment to dredging foe
• Republicans seek to block creation of National Monuments
• Zimbabwe threatens seizure of mining rights

Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill • Legislative and Regulatory Update • Australian Gold Adventure • A New Method for Handling Stubborn Gravity Middlings • The Essence of Gold Prospecting • Jim Madden's Gold • MMAC & PLP Update • The PATH to Tax Savings • Just One More Time • Update: People v. Rinehart • Melman on Gold & Silver • Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices

Free:

Magazine

Proof Mining Districts Work!

Advertisements