[Eric in the Ozarks]

By no means should the US do away with “all environmental restrictions.” If you really want to see countryside destroyed by mining, look at Russia. China is not far behind.

[epithermal]

Agreed, that’s why I said “many”, not all. I realize that many early mining ventures in the USA have laid waste to the land. But, recent reclamation laws are strict and do produce results. I wish I could find my link to an article I once read about reclamation efforts in Nevada which had some great before and after reclamation photos. I found it hard to tell there had ever been a mine in the locations they described.

[Bubba_Leroy]

If you really want to see countryside destroyed by mining, look at Russia. China is not far behind.

A direct result of lack of private ownership of land. As a general rule, people take care of their own land, but don't care what they dump on "public" land.