Meaningful Mining Reform The EPA, according to its Toxic Release Inventory, has rated hardrock mining as the nation's top
toxic polluter. Based on pollution levels reported by the industry itself, the industry released 3.9 billion
pounds of toxic chemicals in 1999 and 2.8 billion pounds of toxic waste in 2001, more than any other
industry. The Environmental Working Group, furthermore, has identified 374 U.S. watersheds used
for drinking water that were impaired or threatened by metal pollution from mining. The very
significant impacts of mine development cannot and should not be ignored.
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Reforming the 1872 Mining LawAlthough it was enacted over a century ago when Ulysses S.
Grant was president, incredulously the 1872 Mining Law still governs
hardrock mining on public lands. The antiquated law allows private
companies to take valuable minerals, such as gold, copper and uranium,
from public lands without paying a dime to American taxpayers, without
requirements for protecting our environment, and without regard for
mining’s impact to other uses of our public lands.
WWC is leading a statewide coalition of conservation, recreation,
hunting, fishing, tribal and religious groups working to support
meaningful mining reform.
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Saving Critical Lands near Mt St. Helens from Mining
 In 2008, Washington Wilderness
Coalition worked as part of a statewide coalition to oppose a proposal
for an open-pit mine along the Green River, adjacent to the Mount St.
Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Once again this critical area is threatened. A Canadian company has
purchased the lease rights and plans to begin a surface exploration
program this year. Dedicated work by WWC and stratigic partners helped
to save these lands once and we are dedicated to again prevent another
mining attempt.
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