The New Mexico House is considering legislation that would allow mines to remain on standby for as long as 100 years without obligation of restoration.
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee has heard two debates on HB 625.
The bill, which has the support of New Mexico's largest copper mines, would permit mines to defer operations for up to 100 years and reopen with little public notice.
Mine operators would only need to send a letter to the state. In addition, mines in standby mode wouldn't need to be reclaimed or restored to a more natural state.
Opponents say the bill undermines critical portions of the Mining Act, which protects groundwater from pollution.
They say mines could evade clean-up expenses.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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