Anti-mining plans defeated in U.S.

Officials at Northgate Exploration (TSE) and MinVen Gold (TSE) breathed a sign of relief when anti-mining initiatives in California and South Dakota were defeated recently. In Nov. 6 state elections, an initiative that would have restricted the amount of land available for open pit gold mining in South Dakota’s Black Hills region was voted down.

On the same day, voters in California defeated another measure that would have required companies in Tuolumne County to keep a 3,500-ft. buffer zone between surface mining operations and “non- compatible” land use.

As MinVen’s wholly owned Gilt Edge and one-third owned Golden Reward mines are in the Black Hills, the decision was welcomed by President and chief executive officer James Anderson.

“The defeat of the initiative is a significant vote of confidence by the public for responsible mining practices now employed by the various companies operating in the State of South Dakota and for the regulatory authorities which help supervise the mining industry,” he said.

According to Northgate spokesman Gregg Bowes, the California decision represents a change in attitude away from pro-regulation. Northgate affiliate Sonora Gold (TSE) holds a 70% stake in the Jamestown gold mine, which is situated in Tuolumne County.