Grand Canyon mining ban extended

The US interior department has extended a temporary ban on the filing of new mining claims near the Grand Canyon with an eye toward protecting 400,000 hectares (1m acres) and giving the federal government more time to study the economic and environmental effects of mining. The department has been analysing whether to prohibit new mining claims near the park, or allow the mining industry to add to the thousands of claims already staked in the area. A temporary ban enacted in July 2009 was set to expire next month but will now last until December. The interior secretary, Ken Salazar, visited the Grand Canyon and drew on its history to urge patience, caution and humility in moving forward with what has been a controversial process. The withdrawal of the full 400,000 hectares for 20 years will be identified as the department's preferred alternative when the analysis is completed later this year, Salazar said. The mining industry, along with Govener Jan Brewer and some Republican members of Congress quickly blasted Salazar's decision as detrimental to the state's economy and the country's energy independence. Conservationists hailed the announcement as crucial to protecting the area's natural and cultural resources. Ranchers had sent miniature cowboy hats to Salazar, a rancher himself and former natural resources chief in Colorado, urging a more permanent withdrawal for what mining opponents have said was a natural treasure under threat. The temporary ban was meant to slow a flurry of new uranium mining operations planned near the Grand Canyon. At least 3,350 active mining claims exist for all types of hard-rock exploration within the area. Most of the claims for uranium are staked in the Arizona Strip, a sparsely populated area immediately north of the Grand Canyon's boundaries known for its high-grade uranium ore. Mining supporters say prohibiting new claims for one of the country's most prolific uranium reserves would keep hundreds from employment and further harm the economy. They vowed to fight Salazar's decision. From / Guardian