Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Gold/Mining/Energy : Mining News of Note -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: LoneClone who wrote (38396)	6/10/2009 8:26:14 PM
From: LoneClone	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 194001

Mining industry wants NV to postpone mercury regs Tuesday, June 9, 2009 sfgate.com (06-09) 13:07 PDT LAS VEGAS, (AP) -- The Nevada Mining Association wants the state to postpone ordering the industry to install additional mercury emissions control equipment until the federal government reveals its plans for gold mining pollution this summer. Environmentalists say the state regulations should move ahead as scheduled and criticized the industry for putting profits ahead of the environment and the health of residents of Nevada and neighboring states. The state intends to begin issuing permits in July requiring mining companies to equip their operations with the latest technology to prevent toxic mercury from escaping into the air. Most gold mines will have two years to comply. Industry leaders argue in a petition filed with the Nevada Environmental Commission on Monday they should not have to spend the tens of millions of dollars required now because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may impose its own pollution control requirements on gold mines. The EPA decision is expected in August. Justin Hayes, policy director of the Idaho Conservation League, said the move is a "standard industry position of not wanting to address their pollution problems." The group maintains airborne mercury from Nevada is contaminating fish both in Nevada and downwind. "This is mining putting their profits ahead of the health of children who eat fish in Southern Idaho, Northern Nevada and Utah," Hayes told the Las Vegas Sun. "They're prioritizing corporate profits over the health of people. That's what it is." Nevada gold mines have long been among the regions largest emitters of airborne mercury, a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage, especially in fetuses and children. The state believes federal standards would disrupt its mercury control program, which has been operated for several years by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. "It does present uncertainty — not only for the state but also for the mining industry, as far as what will be expected," said Jill Lufrano, spokeswoman for the division. The state has been requiring the mines to reduce airborne mercury for the past few years. Several mines have installed the new equipment. The commission is scheduled to meet June 17.