Family mining firm suing over fee hike

ELKO (AP) - A northeast Nevada mining company is suing the state, alleging that a one-time mining claim fee increase approved by the Legislature amounts to an unconstitutional tax hike.

Claremont Nevada Mines LLC owner Buster Hunsaker tells the Elko Daily Free Press it may be called a fee, but it's a tax. He says the state Constitution doesn't allow for a tax increase.

Nevada state attorney general's office spokeswoman Edie Cartwright says the state is reviewing the case.

The Elko District Court civil lawsuit asks a judge to block collection of the fees, which are due in October.

The fee is imposed on a tiered scale, assessing $70 per claim for holders of 11 to 200 claims, up to $195 per claim for 1,300 claims or more.