1.   The mine reportedly had an accident rate triple the national average.

2.   But the mine has fierce opponents, too, both in Montana and in neighboring Idaho, who say it will cause serious environmental problems.

3.   Lower gold prices hurt stocks of gold mining companies, as investors bet profits will be eroded and that some mines may have to be shut unless prices rebound.

4.   Mines have some military utility, especially the anti-tank varieties, which are not covered by U.S. proposals.

5.   Some mines will have to be closed, creating more opportunities for low-cost producers, he said.

6.   The mine also has a limited output of gem-quality diamonds, including highly prized pink diamonds.

7.   The mine has its own fire department underground.

8.   The Magma mine has had its share of shutdowns, strikes and violence.

9.   The new mines have a short life span, Soviet gold exports are finite and South African production is waning, the argument goes.

10.   This mine has nothing to do with extracting minerals that are vital to our national security.