mining

Idaho Silver Feels The Slip In Metals Prices

Jessica Robinson — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:21:23 +0000

The decreasing price of gold has gotten a lot of attention among investors in recent weeks. The price of silver has received fewer headlines, but it's also dropped. That price has real economic impact in north Idaho, which has one of the richest silver deposits in the country.

There's not much wiggle room when silver drops down to $22 an ounce. That's only a little more than it costs the Galena Mine near Kellogg, Idaho, to get the silver out of the ground. Owner U.S.

Controversial Dredge Mining Ban Advances in Oregon Senate

Amelia Templeton — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:33:33 +0000

A bill that restricts motorized mining in salmon and trout streams advanced in the Oregon Senate Wednesday evening. Amelia Templeton from our EarthFix team reports.

Coeur d'Alene Mines Leaves Namesake Idaho Home

Jessica Robinson — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:02:53 +0000

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho – Idaho is losing one of its oldest silver mining companies to Chicago. The Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation announced Wednesday it plans to move to the Windy City by the end of September.

The company employs 65 people at its headquarters in Coeur d'Alene in north Idaho.

Mining Industry Seeks Shorter Permit Waiting Period

Aaron Kunz — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:35:28 +0000

Mining pumps on average nearly a billion dollars into Idaho’s economy every year. Idaho, along with Nevada and Utah are considered mining friendly states. But the industry is frustrated that it can take years before permits are issued and work can get underway. That’s why mining officials appealed to state lawmakers this week to help speed up the regulatory process. As Earthfix reporter Aaron Kunz explains it’s a proposition that has environmentalists worried.

Audit Pushed To Rekindle Mining Act Reforms

Aaron Kunz — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:32:21 +0000

A report released today indicates the United States Government has no idea exactly how much gold, silver and copper is being dug up from public lands. Lawmakers say it’s one more reason to overhaul a mining law from the 1800s.

Mining Gold In The Northwest Causes Conflict

Aaron Kunz — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:08:15 +0000

A recreational gold miner in Idaho now has the exclusive right to mine for gold on a stretch of the Salmon River. But the lease process approved by the Idaho Land Board this week raised some questions about the process he will use to get the gold. Aaron Kunz with EarthFix explains.

Report Faults Mining Company For Fatal Accident

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:06:23 +0000

A new report faults managers of north Idaho’s Lucky Friday mine for an accident last November that killed a 26-year-old miner. It was one of two fatalities at the mine last year.

Family Of Killed Miner Says Company’s Decision Caused Collapse

Jessica Robinson — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:03:12 +0000

Later this month, the Lucky Friday Mine in north Idaho will begin rehiring workers. It closed seven months ago for federally mandated safety improvements. Inspectors took a sharper look at the mine after a series of tragic accidents last year. Now, as the mine prepares to re-open, the family of one dead miner is speaking out for the first time. The family of Larry Marek told correspondent Jessica Robinson they believe the company still hasn’t taken responsibility for what happened.

Miner’s Daughter Wants Company Held Responsible For Father’s Death

Jessica Robinson — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:18:01 +0000

The daughter of a north Idaho miner killed in a tunnel collapse last year says federal regulators are failing to hold the company responsible. She says new fines do not do justice to her father’s death. The federal government is proposing $360,000 in penalties related to an accident that killed Larry Marek. Correspondent Jessica Robinson reports.

Court Rules For New Regulation Of Gold Mining In Western Salmon Streams

Amelia Templeton — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:54:09 +0000

Gold mining with small dredges is popular in the rural Northwest. Today, the 9th circuit court ruled that the Forest Service has to strengthen its regulation of this kind of mining in salmon streams. Amelia Templeton of Earthfix reports.