Court keeps ban on new mining claims around Grand Canyon
![This Feb. 22, 2005, file photo shows the North Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona. A federal appeals court ruling keeps in place an Obama administration ban on new hard-rock mining claims around the Grand Canyon. (AP Photo/Rick Hossman,File) Court keeps ban on new mining claims around Grand Canyon](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2017/courtkeepsba.jpg)
A U.S. appeals court has kept in place an Obama administration ban on new mining claims around the Grand Canyon.
The decision Tuesday comes as a U.S. House committee hears testimony on access to minerals on public land.
The U.S. Forest Service under President Donald Trump said weeks ago it would review the 20-year ban. The 2012 moratorium covers more than 1 million acres rich in high-grade uranium reserves outside Grand Canyon National Park.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholds a lower-court ruling.
The National Mining Association had argued the ban was irresponsible public policy and violated federal laws. A spokesman for the group says it's disappointed with the ruling and is reviewing its options.
Conservationists say the ban protects water resources.
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