Study urges faster mine permitting
With economic and military demand for rare earth metals likely rising in coming years the United States must reform its mine permitting process, according to a study commissioned by the National Center for Policy Analysis.
The report, “Rare Earths Mining Potential in the United States,” also suggests states with rare earth resources could improve state revenues by $724 million, add nearly 3,600 good-paying jobs, and increase gross state product by almost $40 billion.
“With economic and military demand likely to grow in the next few years, the United States must reform its mine permit process and safety regulations to take advantage of the vast underground store of raw materials that could drive growth, add jobs and bring revenue to state budgets,” said Tom Tanton, author of the report.
“Non-government organizations and environmental groups create additional challenges, which delay project approval,” said the report. “Currently mines in Arizona, California and Wyoming are facing multiyear delays in the development of rare earth resources.”
“States where mine development occurs could benefit from increased tax revenues, which could help to reduce budget shortfalls,” said Tanton. “To do so, the permitting process must be streamlined, technology must be used to continuously improve safety and regulatory authority needs to be consolidated.”
Among the potential economic impacts of rare earths mining in the U.S., the report cited 1,000 potential jobs and state revenue of $160 million in Alaska; 1,150 jobs and state revenue of $250 million in Nebraska; 430 jobs and $116 million in state revenue in Illinois; and 600 jobs and state revenue of $90 million in Wyoming.
The report found that state and federal agencies contribute what are among “the longest wait times in world” to obtain permits and approvals to build a mine in the United States. “Permitting a mine takes roughly two years in Canada and Australia — seven to 10 years in the United States.”
Tanton suggested, “The federal government should consider a trade mission to both countries to discover how they permit mines in one-fourth the time it takes in the United States, while meeting similar worker safety and environmental protection goals.”
Meanwhile, he advised mine operators seeking new permits; Listen to and address the environmental concerns of neighbors; Use best practices and environmental technologies; Keep potential risks to a minimum, and keep them entirely on site and constantly look for opportunities to improve safety and environmental performance.
