By Erica Werner
Associated Press
via Caspar (Wyoming) Star-Tribune
Sunday, October 21, 2007

WASHINGTON -- A House committee agreed Thursday to impose the first-ever federal royalties on gold, silver, and other hard-rock mining on public lands.

During debate on legislation rewriting the antiquated General Mining Law of 1872, lawmakers agreed to an amendment to impose royalties of 4 percent of gross revenue on existing hard-rock mining operations.

New mining operations would pay royalties of 8 percent of gross revenue under the bill, which is expected to pass the House Committee on Natural Resources on Tuesday.

hello friends,

as you know i am from the us of a. this has to pass the senate and any possible presidential veto. not a done deal by a long shot. HOWEVER, IT SHOWS WHICH WAY THE WIND IS BLOWING IN THE U.S.

any added costs to other countries miners justs makes canadian based mines all the more valuable and attractive. another reason to like noront.

be right and sit tight,

regards,

jsq