State Rep. Eddie Ableser (D-Tempe) introduced legislation [HB2086] directing the Arizona Geological Survey to establish a mineral and mining museum. It would also remove the mining and mineral components of the currently proposed Centennial Museum [right] that is planned for the former Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum building in Phoenix.
We have had no conversations with Rep. Ableser about his bill and were not aware it was being drafted.
The key language to be added to the AZGS state statutes is:
The department [AZGS] shall maintain a mining and mineral museum as the state depository for collecting, and cataloging and displaying mining artifacts and specimens, of various ores, gemstones, lapidary material and equipment and other valuable documents relating to mining and minerals mineral specimens. In connection with the museum, the state geologist may:
1. Establish and collect entrance fees to the museum for persons who are at least eighteen years of age.
2. Operate a retail gift shop, including the acquisition, purchase and resale of mineral specimens and mineral-related items.
3. Employ a curator for the museum.
4. Pay the necessary maintenance and operation expenses of the museum.