Natural Resources

"The American mining industry is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a ban on new uranium mining claims near the Grand Canyon in a legal battle with environmentalists over impacts on the premier U.S. park."

"A federal judge blocked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from taking action against a massive proposed mine in Alaska."

"Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s ascent to the top of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee is likely to reignite the decades-old debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)."

"Kentucky environmental advocates accused state regulators today of lax enforcement of water quality rules while putting a mining company on notice that they intend to sue over claims of thousands of false pollution reports during the last year."

"Don Blankenship, the longtime chief executive officer of Massey Energy, was indicted Thursday on charges that he orchestrated the routine violation of key federal mine safety rules at the company’s Upper Big Branch Mine prior to an April 2010 explosion that killed 29 miners."

"Despite Obama’s pledge to cut carbon emissions, production at North Antelope Rochelle mine in Wyoming is booming - and climate change is off the agenda."

"BUTTE — The number 5,410 has special meaning to Butte. It’s the critical water level – 5,410 feet above sea level – of the Berkeley Pit. The water in the pit must be kept below that elevation or risk contaminating Silver Bow Creek."

"Alaska voters approved a ballot measure aimed at adding a hurdle to the potential development of a major copper and gold mine."

"PERTH Australia – China and Russia have thwarted an international attempt to create the world’s largest ocean sanctuary in Antarctica as both nations eye the region’s rich reserves of fish and krill."