The future of Good Samaritan legislation related to the legacy of hardrock mining in the United States and the challenges it poses for our social license to operate

The social licence to operate is one of, if not the greatest challenge and risk faced when expanding or opening a new mine. Why that? negative public legacy of mining in United States, globally for that matter, human health impact environmental destruction. This result short-term vision, lack concern impacts natural environment health, adequate regulatory guidance enforcement. Fortunately, industry committing long-term planning operation practices preserving protecting good land water stewardship through investing an ever-evolving set technical capabilities execute these reformed outcomes. Good Samaritan legislation perhaps globally, may present industries opportunity change mining, its image, ultimately improve industry’s ability obtain operate. However, this enabling legislation, as it applies abandoned mine issues, does exist federal state protection programmes political attempts over past two decades establish have been successful. This paper presentation describe status risks concerns, current agencies structure, processes applicable reclamation. history, state, potential future benefits Good reclamation / regulations at level States focus presentation. Good presents opportunities community pathway better allocate private funds earn licences continue mines States. Stakeholders involved directly indirectly now shape approach achieve their goals. We miners our legacy, make positive changes environment, benefit stakeholders, reduce obtaining provide world with resources legislation.