In California, Are Sand And Gravel ‘Minerals’?

A New California Appellate Decision Broadly Interprets Mineral Rights Reservations In Grant Deeds To Include Sand And Gravel. By Mhare O. Mouradian, MaryBeth Heydt and Destinee Burrell As goes California, so goes the nation? When interpreting general mineral reservations in grants or deeds, California courts have not, until recently, considered sand and gravel – aggregate – a “mineral.” That changed…

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‘Removed From Service’ or ‘Available For Use’

Here Are Some Suggestions Aimed At Reducing Your Liability In These Two Situations. By Brian Hendrix An “evergreen” issue is one that comes up repeatedly and remains relevant over time. Here’s a great example: MSHA inspects a piece of mobile equipment that’s parked on the ready line, but not in service. It has not been examined by the operator. Let’s…

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Renewable Energy Is Mined, Not Grown

Mining Probably Isn’t One Of The First Things That Comes To Mind When People Think About Renewable Energy Sources, But It Should Be. By Brian Hendrix By 2035, the Biden administration expects the United States to generate “100% carbon pollution free electricity.” Longer term, the administration’s ultimate goal is “net-zero emissions no later than 2050.”  I doubt that “carbon free”…

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MSHA is Hiring! No Experience Necessary

MSHA May Be Hiring, But It Should Only Be Interested In Experienced Miners. By Brian Hendrix Across the board, the labor market is tight, and that’s particularly true in the mining industry. Miners are in short supply. Mine operators are hiring. MSHA is also hiring, but MSHA should only be interested in experienced miners. The Federal Mine Safety and Health…

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