Mining claims around Grand Canyon must be proven

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's decision to halt new mining claims on 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon comes with a fundamental change in how the U.S. Forest Service does business with mining companies.

Companies wanting to explore on parts of the Kaibab National Forest now must prove they have valid existing rights to their claims. That could include providing evidence of the mineral at the surface and a sufficient quality and quantity.

That wasn't the case before Salazar set aside the land last month from new claims for a 2-year period.

The National Mining Association says the change could cast a cloud over future investment. But environmentalists say it will keep companies from taking advantage of paper claims while new mining is studied further.