Issues

Safety & Health | Environment | Economy | Localization

 

 

Safety & Health

The Sierra Nevada Mining and Industry Council (SNMIC) promotes a safe workplace and believes all its members should work to continuously improve worker health and safety. The SNMIC believes safety education is a key component to improving safety in the workplace, and management, supervision, and every person in the workforce is responsible for safety and health.

 

Environment

The SNMIC believes in protecting the quality of soil, air, and water resources   

Socially and Environmentally Responsible Mining: The SNMIC supports socially and environmentally responsible mining and resource industries. The SNMIC believes that mining and the resource industry is vital to society and that its activities can be done responsibly, protecting the environment, and at the same time bringing tremendous benefit to society.

Land Use: The SNMIC believes that land use planning has to incorporate mining and resource industry uses. The population of Nevada County, California, the U.S., and the World all continue to grow. This growth limits accessibility to land for industrial and resource development, especially with the "not in my back yard" syndrome. Land needs to be preserved and zoned for industrial use, especially as residential use continues to grown with an increased population.

 

The Economy

The SNMIC believes in establishing long term plans for growth and developing plans to attract and keep industry alive in the region are critical to a sustainable industrial base.

Economic Diversity: Economic diversity is needed to allow the Sierra Nevada region to survive economic highs and lows. Dependence on government jobs, tourism, and recreation is dangerous as they are highly affected by economic booms and recessions in the state and the world. The SNMIC believes that economic diversity in the region is desirable for a healthy economy.

Quality Good Paying Jobs: Industry typically has high paying quality jobs and benefits. The SNMIC believes that a strong industrial base in the Sierra Nevada region will support the service economy, government, and educational system. Wages paid in the industrial sector and purchase goods and services in the community and spin off job opportunities are created.

Jobs For Our Children: The Sierra Nevada region has limited opportunities for young job seekers. Many of our children are forced to leave the area due to low paying and limited job opportunities. The SNMIC believes that a strong industry sector will provide opportunities for graduates and keep them in the region.

 

Legislation

Legislation: The SNMIC believes that legislation is required on federal, state, and local levels to promote sustainable industry. Some legislation requires change, and the SNMIC will work to improve legislation. There is a significant amount of legislation being enacted in California that will affect the mining and resource industry. This includes air emissions for diesel equipment, water quality and health care. The SNMIC will work to improve legislation to ensure a sustainable mining and resource industry can survive in Sierra Nevada region.