Framework for Responsible Mining:
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![]() Slate Cove in Berners Bay, just north of Juneau, AK Credit: Skip Gray |
was organized in 1997 to provide technical assistance to public interest
groups on issues related to mining and water quality. The Center has a staff
of seasoned professionals with experience from the mining industry, academia,
and government.
Technical support is often needed by grassroots groups and tribal governments
in several areas -- for example, presenting technical arguments to the state
and federal agencies that have permit authority over large industrial and
natural resource development projects. Providing this support in a timely
manner can be critical to influencing a fast moving development proposal.
Because experts are not readily available, groups must often use whatever
volunteer technical assistance is available locally; or rely on technical
consultants that, if available, are expensive. In addition, because of the
very close relationship between the mining industry, its technical consultants,
and the academic community, it is very difficult for non-profit groups to
gain access to technical and financial expertise on mining. is in a
unique position to provide this service to the non-profit community.
The Center is now providing technical support to groups in the United States
and Canada, with a limited amount of international work. has technical
professionals located in Montana and British Columbia. The Center has recently
provided support to groups in Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana,
Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon, and Labrador.