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The article reports on a bill that would impose royalties on mining companies that produce minerals such as gold, copper and uranium approved by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee on October 23, 2007. The legislation would impose an eight percent royalty on new hard-rock mines based on gross proceeds. The bill would also simplify the application process for exploration permits and extend the term of mine permits to up to 20 years, as opposed to the original measure's 10 years.

Reports on the approval of a bill on mine safety by the U.S. Health, Education, Labor and Pensions panel. Reaction of mine owners and miners on the approval of the bill; Efforts to minimize coal mining accidents in the U.S.; Views of Luke Popovich, a spokesman for the National Mining Association, on the succession of accidents in the mining industry.