ABSTRACT
Within the United States, the regulatory environment at both state and federal levels has exerted significant economic pressure on mine operators. In particular, increased stringency in standards for environmental protection on and around mines has a general tendency to increase operating costs during production, and capital costs at closure. Also, as a result of increasing environmental awareness in the public sector, mine operators must be aware of contingent liabilities related to regulatory compliance and third party, common-law action. This awareness applies as much to the Asian environment, as it does to the USA.
