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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2001

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT FROM JACK N. GERARD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE NATIONAL MINING ASSOCIATION ON THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY TO REVISE AND AMEND THE CURRENT HARDROCK MINING SURFACE MANAGEMENT (3809) RULES:

Washington -- "From the information released by the DOI's Bureau of Land Management today, it appears these modest revisions will bring us a step closer to achieving consistency with the balanced and scientifically-based recommendations prescribed by the National Academy of Sciences.

"The NAS study, requested by the governors of the Western States and mandated by Congress, established a clear benchmark for appropriate environmental protection regulation.

"The FY 2000 Interior Appropriations bill prohibited the promulgation of new 3809 rules except for those 'which are not inconsistent' with the findings of the NAS study. In order to comply with that Congressional mandate, we hope the BLM has amended the rules to make them consistent with the NAS study.

"This action, however, in no way diminishes the rigorous environmental scrutiny required of each mining project. Today's modern mining companies are deeply committed to the environment.

The industry supports implementing the recommendations of the NAS, and reforming the General Mining Law. We know first-hand that responsible natural resources development and environmental protection can go hand in hand."

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 3 million U.S. jobs.