Listen: Katie Sweeney’s 2013 minerals policy outlook

In a National Mining Association consumer radio feature, Katie Sweeney, NMA’s senior vice president and general counsel, shared her views on the minerals policy outlook for 2013.Sweeney argues that “clear policies that keep environmental regulations in place, but make the permitting process more efficient are crucial to 2013.”

Currently, the federal new mine permitting process is the biggest hurdle in attracting investment. The “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013” (H.R. 761), which passed the House Natural Resources Committee this week, will streamline permitting timeframes that currently drag on for up to 10 years. Advancing policies that allow our mining industry to become more competitive on the world stage while continuing to supply domestic manufacturers with the minerals they need is a top priority for U.S. mining. Such policies will help the U.S. economy, bolster national security and maintain American global competitiveness.