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The Fleecing of AmericaMSNBC Nightly News takes on the antiquated 1872 mining lawThe General Mining Law of 1872, signed by Ulysses S. Grant, was enacted to promote mineral exploration and development in the western United States. Today, the Civil War-era statute still guarantees free access to individuals and corporations, both domestic and foreign-owned, to prospect on public lands and lay claim and develop the minerals without taxpayer compensation. And because interpretation of this old law gives mining priority status, it remains nearly impossible — even today — to prohibit or even restrict mining in special areas, regardless of its impact on critical habitat and other natural resources. Watch the MSNBC Nightly News segment focusing on the 1872 mining law:
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