Authorities say the $2.5 billion illicit mining industry is creating a parallel economy that is deemed to damage the business of those who operate legally.
The Congress-led investigation aims to determine the agency’s role in triggering a 3-million-gallon toxic spill into Colorado’s Animas River on Aug. 5.
Despite current adverse conditions, advisory firm Behre Dolbear is recommending mining stakeholders to focus on markets that have been able to ride the wave relatively well so far.