The treaty banning mining of the Antarctic for at least 50 years has finally been signed, at a ceremony in Madrid, several months after it was originally agreed in April [see ED no. 46].

Hal Quinn, president and CEO of the National Mining Association states that banning mining in the Grand Canyon only deprives the United States of energy and minerals that are critical to the survival and strength of our economy.

Finally, the Uttarkhand government released an order to ban illegal mining all over Haridwar district.

Bowing toforeign criticism, Brazil's Government started to enforce laws banning mining in Indian areas.

On Aug. 17, the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Gareth Evans announced that his government would introduce legislation at the end of 1990 banning mining in the Australian zone, totalling about 42 per cent of Antarctica.

The preparation of a draft bill to protect Antarctica and to ban commercial mining and drilling was also reported to be in progress.

Its foes, fearing the presence of tremolite in the marble, have asked Warwick town officials to rezone the quarry land as agricultural, thus banning mining.

Following unprecedented public pressure, the South Australian government announced on 22 July 2011 that steps would be taken to ban mining and exploration in Arkaroola.

In February 2011, the Panamanian government proposed a new mining law that would facilitate the development of mining projects in indigenous areas, while the indigenous people had asked for a law banning mining in their territories.

Now, all is revealed through Labour's policy decision to ban opencast mining.