Hardrock mining is an important economic activity in the United States, providing valuable non-fuel metals and minerals needed for technology, infrastructure, and industry. However, it can also have significant negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Thus, effective regulaiton of hardrock mining activities is paramount to the mitigation of such negative externalities.
This report describes the environmental, economic, and social regulation of hardrock mining of Alaska and five other mineral-producing states to demonstrate the different approaches the states have taken, and provides recommendations for the improvement of hardrock mining law and policy in Alaska based on those varied approaches. A scorecard has been developed for each state to illustrate the strength of their hardrock mining laws and policies.