BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — House Democrats from some Western states are preparing to push for changes to a longstanding law that governs mining on U.S.-owned lands.

A government report published Monday by the Government Accountability Office shows the U.S. stands out among some other countries that collect royalties on gold, copper and other minerals.

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The U.S. government does not typically collect royalties on those minerals.

House Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva says the mining industry should pay at least as much as oil and gas companies, which typically pay royalties of 12.5% on resources extracted from federal lands.

Past efforts to significantly change the government's 1872 mining law have failed.

This Unique Cabin On Casper Mountain Is A Geodesic Dome

This cabin on Casper Mountain is over 2,000 square feet and located on 2 acres. It has a great loft space and 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, and a 3 car garage/shop.

 

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