NMA said the rule would increase fees for studies or analysis associated with coal leases, solid mineral leases, mining law administration and mineral material sales.
It was also worried the new rule could mean the BLM might double dip, that is create new charges for documents or applications already attracting fees or levies.
NMA said the US Federal Government already received hundreds of millions of dollars annually from existing fees, assessments and other levies imposed on mining operations on federal lands.
“For example, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) estimated data shows the Government collects more than $US400 million in royalties and revenues annually for coal and other minerals (excluding sand and gravel and petroleum fuels). In 2004, just the bonus bids received from the coal leasing program totalled $US319.7 million,” NMA said.
