Quantum Exploration, Inc. v. William Clark, Secretary, United States Department of the Interior

Quantum Exploration, Inc., (“Quantum”) appeals the district court’s order dismissing its complaint for lack of standing. Quantum sought a decision that would bind the Blackfeet Indian Tribe to a mineral development agreement between Quantum and the Tribe. Additionally, Quantum requested a writ of mandamus pursuant to the Indian Mineral Development Act to compel the Secretary of the Interior (“Secretary”) to approve or disapprove the agreement and to promulgate rules and regulations establishing a deadline before which the Secretary must begin compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). We affirm, albeit for reasons other than those set forth by the district court. The court may affirm on any ground finding support in the record. Sal-merón v. United States, 724 F.2d 1357 , 1364 (9th Cir.1983).

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In 1982, Congress passed the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (IMDA). 25 U.S.C. §§ 2101-2108 . IMDA was enacted to provide Indian tribes with flexibilty in the development and sale of mineral resources. S.Rep. No. 97-472, 97th Cong.2d Sess. 2 (1982). Foremost among the beneficial effects of IMDA was the opportunity for Indian…