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Is mining allowed in Wilderness? |
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Although new gas leases and mineral claims would not be
allowed once an area is designated either as wilderness (or while it is managed
as a Wilderness Study Area), existing leases and claims (Valid Existing Rights
or "VERs") can still be developed in wilderness.
Subject to valid rights...existing (at the time of wilderness designation),
the minerals in the lands designated...as wilderness areas are withdrawn from
all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from all laws pertaining
to mineral leasing and all amendments thereto.
(Wilderness Act, Section 4(d)(3)) .
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