By Tom Tiffany The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com. In 1998, the state of Wisconsin enacted a “mining moratorium” law. The law requires a company applying for a mining permit to prove that a similar mine has operated for 10 years and been closed for 10 years without the pollution of groundwater or surface water – the mine could be located anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. “We already have in place the statutory authority and technical ability to fairly judge any mining proposal on its merits. …