New mining claims banned on prized land near Yellowstone

Source: Associated Press


Matthew Brown, Associated Press
Updated 2:29 pm CDT, Monday, October 8, 2018

EMIGRANT, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke approved a 20-year ban on new mining claims in the towering mountains north of Yellowstone National Park on Monday, after two proposed gold mines raised concerns that an area drawing tourists from the around the globe could be spoiled.

As Zinke signed the mineral ban at an outdoor ceremony in Montana's Paradise Valley, a bank of clouds behind him broke apart to reveal the snow-covered sides of Emigrant Peak. The picturesque, 10,915-foot (3,327-meter) mountain has been at the center of the debate over whether mining should be allowed.

The former Montana congressman was joined by local officials, business owners and others who pushed for the ban after companies several years ago began drafting plans for new mines in an area frequented by wolves, elk, bears and other wildlife.

"I'm a pro-mining guy. I love hardrock" mining, Zinke said. "But there are places to mine and places not to mine."

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Zinke-expected-to-extend-mining-ban-near-13290203.php