Mining tax backers file new NV initiative

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Backers of a proposal to force Nevada mining's industry to pay more taxes have filed a new initiative and will again start collecting signatures to try to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

Nevadans for Fair Mining Taxes refiled their petition on Monday with the secretary of state's office in Carson City.

A judge on Friday agreed with the Nevada Mining Association that the initiative should be reworded to make it clear that, if the changes sought had been in effect in 2008, the proceeds tax on mines would have tripled from about $92 million to $284 million.

Backers of the proposed constitutional amendment had already collected 12,000 signatures. They have until June 15 to obtain 97,000 to qualify for the ballot.