For Additional Information:
John Grasser (202) 463-2651
Karen Batra (202) 463-2651

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2000

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT BY RICHARD L. LAWSON, NMA PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ON EPA'S PUBLIC DATA RELEASE OF THE 1998 TOXICS RELEASE INVENTORY DATA

"The 1998 Toxics Release Inventory released today by the Environmental Protection Agency includes, for the first time, information from mining activities. The data will show that the mining industry reported substantial quantities of naturally occurring inorganic metal compounds that exist in low concentrations in all rock and soil.

"Mining companies made public the information contained in their reports last summer and have been extremely cooperative in their efforts to explain in the public arena what these reports mean. Mining companies continue to strive to better inform the citizens in their communities about the materials they manage at their mine sites.

"Although the reports filed by mining companies do not differ in structure from reports of other industries, the nature of the releases reflected in the reports are different. The activities of moving, storing, processing and managing substantial quantities of rock are defined as 'releases' under TRI; therefore the quantities of releases reported by mining will likely be greater for certain inorganic metal compounds than those from other industrial facilities.

"It's important that people know:

Typically 85% to 99% of what metals mines report is the large quantity of naturally occurring inorganic metals that remain in low concentration in ordinary rock that is moved, stored, processed and managed at the mine site.

This material is safely contained in engineered and managed facilities at the site. Appropriate technologies are used in the design and operation of mines to protect air, land and water resources.

These substances are managed by employees trained extensively to handle them.

The Toxics Release Inventory/Community Right-to-Know program is a weight-based report and is not designed to evaluate risk. EPA says, 'Some high-volume releases of less toxic chemicals may appear to be a more serious problem than lower-volume releases of highly-toxic chemicals, when just the opposite may be true. Release estimates alone are not sufficient to determine exposure or to calculate potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.'

"Since its passage in 1986, the public has demonstrated that it values the information provided under the Toxics Release Inventory/Community Right-to-Know program. Our hope is that the information is presented in the proper context so as not to alarm and confuse the public.

"The mining industry supports the communities' right to know information on how mining companies safely and effectively manage materials at the mine site. "

Note: TRI information contained in mining industry reports is posted on many company and mining association web sites. For more information on mining industry TRI reports, contact the mining company directly or the state mining association in your area.

The U.S. mining industry produces coal, metals, building materials, and many other essential minerals that define the daily lives of 267 million Americans. The mining industry generates over $500 billion in total economic benefit each year and helps to sustain nearly 5 million U.S. jobs.