Proposed regulations governing mining and mineral development on Indian lands are being published in the Federal Register, Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Thomas W. Fredericks said today.
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.
Coal mining operations on Indian lands are governed by separate regulations and are not included under these proposed regulations.
Comments on the regulations should be sent within 60 days of publication to the Office of Trust Responsibilities, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Washington, D.C. 20245. For additional information contact Tom Riggs at the above, address, 202/343-3722 or David Jones, Office of the Solicitor, Department of the Interior 202/343-9331.
