Proposed new regulations governing mining and mineral development contracts on Indian lands were published in the Federal Register April 5, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Raymond v. Butler announced today.
Butler said that "new regulations, when completed and made effective, will have a major impact on the Indian community by furthering Indian self-determination, providing for new types of mineral development contracts and reflecting national and tribal environmental concerns. "
The proposed regulations are designed to enable Indian mineral owners, both tribal and individual, to exercise greater responsibility in the development and management of their minerals and other natural resources. They permit the Indian owners to attempt to maximize the economic return on mineral development and to minimize the adverse effects of such development on Indian culture and the environment.
Comments, suggestions and objections regarding the proposed regulations should be sent by June 6 to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20245.
Public hearings on the proposed regulations will be scheduled and the dates, times and places announced in the Federal Register.
