SWCA Main Navigation ABOUT US OUR WORK SERVICES CAREERS NEWS & INSIGHTS SEARCH Quick Links Navigation MEDIA INQUIRIESCONTACT US OUR WORK MINING Environmental regulation and public scrutiny present unique challenges to the mining industry. SWCA’s expertise in environmental regulatory compliance and natural and cultural resource management has been a powerful tool in helping mining companies secure approval for their coal, hard rock, sand, and gravel mining efforts as well as reclamation and restoration operations. We understand the challenges of domestic and international market cycles, water resource supply and protection, and the public’s perception of the mining industry. We offer one-stop shopping for environmental services, strong relationships with regulatory agencies, and in-depth knowledge of environmental laws and regulations. Having provided permitting support for some of the nation’s largest mining operations, we can help both project owners and the public understand the effects of mining operations on environmental resources. Association Involvement • American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) • Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF) • Montana Mining Association • Wyoming Mining Association LATEST NEWS VIEW ALL Regulatory Alert: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Release Proposed Waters of the United States Rule NOVEMBER 22 Regulatory Alert: Alligator Snapping Turtle Proposed for Listing as Threatened NOVEMBER 12 Regulatory Alert: California District Court Ruling Pauses Some USACE Permit Verification NOVEMBER 10 RELEVANT SERVICES Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Clean Water Act (CWA) Clean Air Act (CAA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) / Section 7 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) /Section 106 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Environmental Monitoring Plans Environmental Management Systems Mine Permitting Mine Plan Support Resource Inventories and NEPA Support for Land Exchange Fish and Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Planning and Implementation Water Quality Monitoring and Bioassessment Services Air Quality and Noise Services Geochemical Characterization and Mine Waste Management Control of Weeds and Other Exotic Species Closure and Reclamation Planning and Monitoring Stream and Riparian Habitat Restoration Public Outreach Facilitation Cultural Resources Tribal Consultations Historic Documentation GIS Services MEET THE EXPERTS NATIONAL LEAD ANDREW HARLEY Andrew has more than 30 years of experience in geology, geochemistry, and soil science related to mining and resource projects. CONTACT ANDREW → RELEVANT CASE STUDIES MINING SWCA HELPS SEVIER PLAYA POTASH PROJECT REACH MAJOR MILESTONE Since 2011, SWCA has been providing Crystal Peak Minerals, Inc. with federal, state, and local agency coordination, resource studies, and plan of development support for their Sevier Playa Potash Project in Utah. READ MORE → ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT COMPLIANCE GOT SPECIES? ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT TOOLS & TIPS Once a species is protected by the Endangered Species Act, activities that negatively impact those species could require authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. SWCA tracks threatened and endangered species issues closely and offers the following tips for staying ahead of the game. READ MORE → URANIUM MINING DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS: EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF CURTAILED URANIUM MINING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA A surge in uranium prices in the late 2000s led to a huge influx of new mining claims on public lands in the vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park. That influx led to concerns about the potential impacts. Learn how SWCA assisted the Bureau of Land Management in completing the required environmental impact statement (EIS) that would provide the basis for a decision about whether mining should be allowed. READ MORE → NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT GETTING BACK TO NATURE: COPPER AND CULTURAL RESOURCES AT THE HOLDEN MINE Tucked in a deep valley in Washington state’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and bordering the Glacier Peak Wilderness sits tiny Holden Village, an inspiring place to renew and connect with nature. It is also the site of the old Holden Mine that left behind 8 million tons of tailings from copper extracting operations. Archaeologists, historians, and architectural historians from SWCA’s Seattle office worked to help avoid, minimize, and mitigate effects to the Holden Mine site during the remediation. READ MORE → WATER BACK TO THE FUTURE: TURNING BACK THE CLOCK ON CLEAN WATER ACT JURISDICTION In the late 1980s, life was simple: DeLoreans, parachute pants, Michael J. Fox in theaters. Life under the Clean Water Act was simple as well. Over the last three decades, a lot has changed. READ MORE → TAKE THE NEXT STEP Request more information about our mining capabilities. CONTACT US → SWCASOUND SCIENCE. CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.® MAIN NAVIGATION ABOUT US OUR WORK SERVICES CAREERS NEWS & INSIGHTS QUICK LINKS NAVIGATION MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT US FOLLOW US FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKEDINYOUTUBE © Copyright 2017–2021 SWCA Environmental Consultants FOOTER NAVIGATION SITE MAPTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY