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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2001

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT FROM JACK N. GERARD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE NATIONAL MINING ASSOCIATION IN RESPONSE TO INTERIOR SECRETARY BRUCE BABBITT'S DECISION TO DENY A PERMIT TO CALIFORNIA'S IMPERIAL PROJECT OF GLAMIS GOLD, INC:

"The National Mining Association is outraged at Secretary Babbitt's abuse of authority in denying the Glamis project. Bruce Babbitt has accomplished another item on his lengthy personal wish-list of extremist, anti-mining actions. In the past 30 days alone, we have seen an unnecessary and costly rewrite of hardrock mining rules and an ill-conceived roadless plan which denies public access to over 59 million acres of public lands.

"Secretary Babbitt has long urged Congress to change the law to create 'a process… for determining that mining activity does not occur on lands that…have…values for other uses.' When Congress did not support Babbitt's extreme proposals, the Secretary deceitfully twisted the law to further his own personal agenda.

"Babbitt is denying Imperial County, California - one of California's most economically depressed counties - hundreds of well-paying jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit. This continued abuse of power is unforgivable in our democratic society."

The U.S. mining industry produces coal, metals, building materials, and many other essential minerals that define the daily lives of 281 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.