HR 699 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation of mining claims, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 27, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. RAHALL (for himself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. COSTA, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. HOLT, Mr. STARK, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. KIND, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. HONDA, Mr. SALAZAR, and Ms. TSONGAS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation of mining claims, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Definitions and references.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 3. Application rules.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 101. Limitation on patents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Royalty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Hardrock mining claim maintenance fee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Effect of payments for use and occupancy of claims.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--PROTECTION OF SPECIAL PLACES

Sec. 201. Lands open to location.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Withdrawal petitions by States, political subdivisions, and Indian tribes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 301. General standard for hardrock mining on Federal land.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 302. Permits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 303. Exploration permit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 304. Operations permit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 305. Persons ineligible for permits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 306. Financial assurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 307. Operation and reclamation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 308. State law and regulation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 309. Limitation on the issuance of permits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--MINING MITIGATION

Subtitle A--Locatable Minerals Fund

Sec. 401. Establishment of Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 402. Contents of Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 403. Subaccounts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle B--Use of Hardrock Reclamation Account

Sec. 411. Use and objectives of the Account.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 412. Eligible lands and waters.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 413. Expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 414. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle C--Use of Hardrock Community Impact Assistance Account

Sec. 421. Use and objectives of the Account.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 422. Allocation of funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE V--ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--Administrative Provisions

Sec. 501. Policy functions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 502. User fees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 503. Inspection and monitoring.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 504. Citizens suits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 505. Administrative and judicial review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 506. Enforcement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 507. Regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 508. Effective date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle B--Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 511. Oil shale claims.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 512. Purchasing power adjustment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 513. Savings clause.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 514. Availability of public records.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 515. Miscellaneous powers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 516. Multiple mineral development and surface resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 517. Mineral materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS AND REFERENCES.

(a) In General- As used in this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The term ‘affiliate’ means with respect to any person, any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Any person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Any partner of such person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Any person owning at least 10 percent of the voting shares of such person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The term ‘applicant’ means any person applying for a permit under this Act or a modification to or a renewal of a permit under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The term ‘beneficiation’ means the crushing and grinding of locatable mineral ore and such processes as are employed to free the mineral from other constituents, including but not necessarily limited to, physical and chemical separation techniques.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The term ‘casual use’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), means mineral activities that do not ordinarily result in any disturbance of public lands and resources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) includes collection of geochemical, rock, soil, or mineral specimens using handtools, hand panning, or nonmotorized sluicing; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) does not include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the use of mechanized earth-moving equipment, suction dredging, or explosives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the use of motor vehicles in areas closed to off-road vehicles;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the construction of roads or drill pads; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) the use of toxic or hazardous materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The term ‘claim holder’ means a person holding a mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with such laws and this Act. Such term may include an agent of a claim holder.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The term ‘control’ means having the ability, directly or indirectly, to determine (without regard to whether exercised through one or more corporate structures) the manner in which an entity conducts mineral activities, through any means, including without limitation, ownership interest, authority to commit the entity’s real or financial assets, position as a director, officer, or partner of the entity, or contractual arrangement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The term ‘exploration’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), means creating surface disturbance other than casual use, to evaluate the type, extent, quantity, or quality of minerals present;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) includes mineral activities associated with sampling, drilling, and analyzing locatable mineral values; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) does not include extraction of mineral material for commercial use or sale.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) The term ‘Federal land’ means any land, and any interest in land, that is owned by the United States and open to location of mining claims under the general mining laws and title II of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) The term ‘Indian lands’ means lands held in trust for the benefit of an Indian tribe or individual or held by an Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) The term ‘Indian tribe’ means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) The term ‘locatable mineral’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) subject to subparagraph (B), means any mineral, the legal and beneficial title to which remains in the United States and that is not subject to disposition under any of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the Act of July 31, 1947, commonly known as the Materials Act of 1947 (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) the Mineral Leasing for Acquired Lands Act (30 U.S.C. 351 et seq.); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) does not include any mineral that is subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States and is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) held in trust by the United States for any Indian or Indian tribe, as defined in section 2 of the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (25 U.S.C. 2101); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) owned by any Indian or Indian tribe, as defined in that section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) The term ‘mineral activities’ means any activity on a mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim for, related to, or incidental to, mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, or reclamation activities for any locatable mineral.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) The term ‘National Conservation System unit’ means any unit of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, or National Trails System, or a National Conservation Area, a National Recreation Area, a National Monument, or any unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) The term ‘operator’ means any person proposing or authorized by a permit issued under this Act to conduct mineral activities and any agent of such person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) The term ‘person’ means an individual, Indian tribe, partnership, association, society, joint venture, joint stock company, firm, company, corporation, cooperative, or other organization and any instrumentality of State or local government including any publicly owned utility or publicly owned corporation of State or local government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) The term ‘processing’ means processes downstream of beneficiation employed to prepare locatable mineral ore into the final marketable product, including but not limited to smelting and electrolytic refining.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior, unless otherwise specified.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) The term ‘temporary cessation’ means a halt in mine-related production activities for a continuous period of no longer than 5 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) The term ‘undue degradation’ means irreparable harm to significant scientific, cultural, or environmental resources on public lands that cannot be effectively mitigated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Valid Existing Rights- As used in this Act, the term ‘valid existing rights’ means a mining claim or millsite claim located on lands described in section 201(b), that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) was properly located and maintained under the general mining laws prior to the date of enactment of this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) was supported by a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit within the meaning of the general mining laws on the date of enactment of this Act, or satisfied the limitations under existing law for millsite claims; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) continues to be valid under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) References to Other Laws- (1) Any reference in this Act to the term general mining laws is a reference to those Acts that generally comprise chapters 2, 12A, and 16, and sections 161 and 162, of title 30, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Any reference in this Act to the Act of July 23, 1955, is a reference to the Act entitled ‘An Act to amend the Act of July 31, 1947 (61 Stat. 681) and the mining laws to provide for multiple use of the surface of the same tracts of the public lands, and for other purposes’ (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. APPLICATION RULES.

(a) In General- This Act applies to any mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim located under the general mining laws, before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, except as provided in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Preexisting Claims- (1) Any unpatented mining claim or millsite claim located under the general mining laws before the date of enactment of this Act for which a plan of operation has not been approved or a notice filed prior to the date of enactment shall, upon the effective date of this Act, be subject to the requirements of this Act, except as provided in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2)(A) If a plan of operations is approved for mineral activities on any claim or site referred to in paragraph (1) prior to the date of enactment of this Act but such operations have not commenced prior to the date of enactment of this Act--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) during the 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, mineral activities at such claim or site shall be subject to such plan of operations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) during such 10-year period, modifications of any such plan may be made in accordance with the provisions of law applicable prior to the enactment of this Act if such modifications are deemed minor by the Secretary concerned; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the operator shall bring such mineral activities into compliance with this Act by the end of such 10-year period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Where an application for modification of a plan of operations referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii) has been timely submitted and an approved plan expires prior to Secretarial action on the application, mineral activities and reclamation may continue in accordance with the terms of the expired plan until the Secretary makes an administrative decision on the application.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Federal Lands Subject to Existing Permit- (1) Any Federal land shall be subject to the requirements of section 102(a)(2) if the land is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) subject to an operations permit; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) producing valuable locatable minerals in commercial quantities prior to the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Any Federal land added through a plan modification to an operations permit on Federal land that is submitted after the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to the terms of section 102(a)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Application of Act to Beneficiation and Processing of Non-Federal Minerals on Federal Lands- The provisions of this Act (including the environmental protection requirements of title III) shall apply in the same manner and to the same extent to mining claims, millsite claims, and tunnel site claims used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral without regard to whether or not the legal and beneficial title to the mineral is held by the United States. This subsection applies only to minerals that are locatable minerals or minerals that would be locatable minerals if the legal and beneficial title to such minerals were held by the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENTCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 101. LIMITATION ON PATENTS.

(a) Mining Claims-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) DETERMINATIONS REQUIRED- After the date of enactment of this Act, no patent shall be issued by the United States for any mining claim located under the general mining laws unless the Secretary determines that, for the claim concerned--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a patent application was filed with the Secretary on or before September 30, 1994; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) all requirements established under sections 2325 and 2326 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 29 and 30) for vein or lode claims and sections 2329, 2330, 2331, and 2333 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 35, 36, and 37) for placer claims were fully complied with by that date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) RIGHT TO PATENT- If the Secretary makes the determinations referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) for any mining claim, the holder of the claim shall be entitled to the issuance of a patent in the same manner and degree to which such claim holder would have been entitled to prior to the enactment of this Act, unless and until such determinations are withdrawn or invalidated by the Secretary or by a court of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Millsite Claims-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) DETERMINATIONS REQUIRED- After the date of enactment of this Act, no patent shall be issued by the United States for any millsite claim located under the general mining laws unless the Secretary determines that for the millsite concerned--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a patent application for such land was filed with the Secretary on or before September 30, 1994; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) all requirements applicable to such patent application were fully complied with by that date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) RIGHT TO PATENT- If the Secretary makes the determinations referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) for any millsite claim, the holder of the claim shall be entitled to the issuance of a patent in the same manner and degree to which such claim holder would have been entitled to prior to the enactment of this Act, unless and until such determinations are withdrawn or invalidated by the Secretary or by a court of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. ROYALTY.

(a) Reservation of Royalty-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subject to paragraph (3), production of all locatable minerals from any mining claim located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals from any such mining claim, as the case may be, shall be subject to a royalty of 8 percent of the gross income from mining. The claim holder or any operator to whom the claim holder has assigned the obligation to make royalty payments under the claim and any person who controls such claim holder or operator shall be liable for payment of such royalties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ROYALTY FOR FEDERAL LANDS SUBJECT TO EXISTING PERMIT- The royalty under paragraph (1) shall be 4 percent in the case of any Federal land that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is subject to an operations permit on the date of the enactment of this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) produces valuable locatable minerals in commercial quantities on the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) FEDERAL LAND ADDED TO EXISTING OPERATIONS PERMIT- Any Federal land added through a plan modification to an operations permit that is submitted after the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to the royalty that applies to Federal land under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) DEPOSIT- Amounts received by the United States as royalties under this subsection shall be deposited into the account established under section 401.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Duties of Claim Holders, Operators, and Transporters- (1) A person--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) who is required to make any royalty payment under this section shall make such payments to the United States at such times and in such manner as the Secretary may by rule prescribe; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) shall notify the Secretary, in the time and manner as may be specified by the Secretary, of any assignment that such person may have made of the obligation to make any royalty or other payment under a mining claim.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Any person paying royalties under this section shall file a written instrument, together with the first royalty payment, affirming that such person is responsible for making proper payments for all amounts due for all time periods for which such person has a payment responsibility. Such responsibility for the periods referred to in the preceding sentence shall include any and all additional amounts billed by the Secretary and determined to be due by final agency or judicial action. Any person liable for royalty payments under this section who assigns any payment obligation shall remain jointly and severally liable for all royalty payments due for the claim for the period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) A person conducting mineral activities shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) develop and comply with the site security provisions in the operations permit designed to protect from theft the locatable minerals, concentrates or products derived therefrom which are produced or stored on a mining claim, and such provisions shall conform with such minimum standards as the Secretary may prescribe by rule, taking into account the variety of circumstances on mining claims; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) not later than the 5th business day after production begins anywhere on a mining claim, or production resumes after more than 90 days after production was suspended, notify the Secretary, in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, of the date on which such production has begun or resumed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The Secretary may by rule require any person engaged in transporting a locatable mineral, concentrate, or product derived therefrom to carry on his or her person, in his or her vehicle, or in his or her immediate control, documentation showing, at a minimum, the amount, origin, and intended destination of the locatable mineral, concentrate, or product derived therefrom in such circumstances as the Secretary determines is appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements- (1) A claim holder, operator, or other person directly involved in developing, producing, processing, transporting, purchasing, or selling locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom, subject to this Act, through the point of royalty computation shall establish and maintain any records, make any reports, and provide any information that the Secretary may reasonably require for the purposes of implementing this section or determining compliance with rules or orders under this section. Such records shall include, but not be limited to, periodic reports, records, documents, and other data. Such reports may also include, but not be limited to, pertinent technical and financial data relating to the quantity, quality, composition volume, weight, and assay of all minerals extracted from the mining claim. Upon the request of any officer or employee duly designated by the Secretary conducting an audit or investigation pursuant to this section, the appropriate records, reports, or information that may be required by this section shall be made available for inspection and duplication by such officer or employee. Failure by a claim holder, operator, or other person referred to in the first sentence to cooperate with such an audit, provide data required by the Secretary, or grant access to information may, at the discretion of the Secretary, result in involuntary forfeiture of the claim.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Records required by the Secretary under this section shall be maintained for 7 years after release of financial assurance under section 306 unless the Secretary notifies the operator that the Secretary has initiated an audit or investigation involving such records and that such records must be maintained for a longer period. In any case when an audit or investigation is underway, records shall be maintained until the Secretary releases the operator of the obligation to maintain such records.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Audits- The Secretary is authorized to conduct such audits of all claim holders, operators, transporters, purchasers, processors, or other persons directly or indirectly involved in the production or sales of minerals covered by this Act, as the Secretary deems necessary for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the requirements of this section. For purposes of performing such audits, the Secretary shall, at reasonable times and upon request, have access to, and may copy, all books, papers and other documents that relate to compliance with any provision of this section by any person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Cooperative Agreements- (1) The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture to share information concerning the royalty management of locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom, to carry out inspection, auditing, investigation, or enforcement (not including the collection of royalties, civil or criminal penalties, or other payments) activities under this section in cooperation with the Secretary, and to carry out any other activity described in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection (relating to trade secrets), and pursuant to a cooperative agreement, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, upon request, have access to all royalty accounting information in the possession of the Secretary respecting the production, removal, or sale of locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom from claims on lands open to location under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Trade secrets, proprietary, and other confidential information protected from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, popularly known as the Freedom of Information Act, shall be made available by the Secretary to other Federal agencies as necessary to assure compliance with this Act and other Federal laws. The Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other Federal officials shall ensure that such information is provided protection in accordance with the requirements of that section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Interest and Substantial Underreporting Assessments- (1) In the case of mining claims where royalty payments are not received by the Secretary on the date that such payments are due, the Secretary shall charge interest on such underpayments at the same interest rate as the rate applicable under section 6621(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In the case of an underpayment, interest shall be computed and charged only on the amount of the deficiency and not on the total amount.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) If there is any underreporting of royalty owed on production from a claim for any production month by any person liable for royalty payments under this section, the Secretary shall assess a penalty of not greater than 25 percent of the amount of that underreporting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘underreporting’ means the difference between the royalty on the value of the production that should have been reported and the royalty on the value of the production which was reported, if the value that should have been reported is greater than the value that was reported.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The Secretary may waive or reduce the assessment provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection if the person liable for royalty payments under this section corrects the underreporting before the date such person receives notice from the Secretary that an underreporting may have occurred, or before 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, whichever is later.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The Secretary shall waive any portion of an assessment under paragraph (2) of this subsection attributable to that portion of the underreporting for which the person responsible for paying the royalty demonstrates that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) such person had written authorization from the Secretary to report royalty on the value of the production on basis on which it was reported;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) such person had substantial authority for reporting royalty on the value of the production on the basis on which it was reported;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) such person previously had notified the Secretary, in such manner as the Secretary may by rule prescribe, of relevant reasons or facts affecting the royalty treatment of specific production which led to the underreporting; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) such person meets any other exception which the Secretary may, by rule, establish.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) All penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Locatable Minerals Fund established under title IV.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Delegation- For the purposes of this section, the term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Minerals Management Service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Expanded Royalty Obligations- Each person liable for royalty payments under this section shall be jointly and severally liable for royalty on all locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom lost or wasted from a mining claim located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act when such loss or waste is due to negligence on the part of any person or due to the failure to comply with any rule, regulation, or order issued under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Gross Income From Mining Defined- For the purposes of this section, for any locatable mineral, the term ‘gross income from mining’ has the same meaning as the term ‘gross income’ in section 613(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Effective Date- The royalty under this section shall take effect with respect to the production of locatable minerals after the enactment of this Act, but any royalty payments attributable to production during the first 12 calendar months after the enactment of this Act shall be payable at the expiration of such 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Failure To Comply With Royalty Requirements- Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of this section or any regulation or order issued to implement this section shall be liable for a civil penalty under section 109 of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (30 U.S.C. 1719) to the same extent as if the claim located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act were a lease under that Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. HARDROCK MINING CLAIM MAINTENANCE FEE.

(a) Fee-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Except as provided in section 2511(e)(2) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (relating to oil shale claims), for each unpatented mining claim, mill or tunnel site on federally owned lands, whether located before, on, or after enactment of this Act, each claimant shall pay to the Secretary, on or before August 31 of each year, a claim maintenance fee of $150 per claim to hold such unpatented mining claim, mill or tunnel site for the assessment year beginning at noon on the next day, September 1. Such claim maintenance fee shall be in lieu of the assessment work requirement contained in the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28 et seq.) and the related filing requirements contained in section 314(a) and (c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1744(a) and (c)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2)(A) The claim maintenance fee required under this subsection shall be waived for a claimant who certifies in writing to the Secretary that on the date the payment was due, the claimant and all related parties--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) held not more than 10 mining claims, mill sites, or tunnel sites, or any combination thereof, on public lands; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) have performed assessment work required under the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28 et seq.) to maintain the mining claims held by the claimant and such related parties for the assessment year ending on noon of September 1 of the calendar year in which payment of the claim maintenance fee was due.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), with respect to any claimant, the term ‘all related parties’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the spouse and dependent children (as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), of the claimant; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) a person affiliated with the claimant, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) a person controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the claimant; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) a subsidiary or parent company or corporation of the claimant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3)(A) The Secretary shall adjust the fees required by this subsection to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor every 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, or more frequently if the Secretary determines an adjustment to be reasonable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The Secretary shall provide claimants notice of any adjustment made under this paragraph not later than July 1 of any year in which the adjustment is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) A fee adjustment under this paragraph shall begin to apply the calendar year following the calendar year in which it is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Moneys received under this subsection that are not otherwise allocated for the administration of the mining laws by the Department of the Interior shall be deposited in the Locatable Minerals Fund established by this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Location-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law, for every unpatented mining claim, mill or tunnel site located after the date of enactment of this Act and before September 30, 1998, the locator shall, at the time the location notice is recorded with the Bureau of Land Management, pay to the Secretary a location fee, in addition to the fee required by subsection (a) of $50 per claim.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Moneys received under this subsection that are not otherwise allocated for the administration of the mining laws by the Department of the Interior shall be deposited in the Locatable Minerals Fund established by this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Co-Ownership- The co-ownership provisions of the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28 et seq.) will remain in effect except that the annual claim maintenance fee, where applicable, shall replace applicable assessment requirements and expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Failure To Pay- Failure to pay the claim maintenance fee as required by subsection (a) shall conclusively constitute a forfeiture of the unpatented mining claim, mill or tunnel site by the claimant and the claim shall be deemed null and void by operation of law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Other Requirements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Nothing in this section shall change or modify the requirements of section 314(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1744(b)), or the requirements of section 314(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1744(c)) related to filings required by section 314(b), which remain in effect.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Section 2324 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 28) is amended by inserting ‘or section 103(a) of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009’ after ‘Act of 1993’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. EFFECT OF PAYMENTS FOR USE AND OCCUPANCY OF CLAIMS.

Timely payment of the claim maintenance fee required by section 103 of this Act or any related law relating to the use of Federal land, asserts the claimant’s authority to use and occupy the Federal land concerned for prospecting and exploration, consistent with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--PROTECTION OF SPECIAL PLACESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 201. LANDS OPEN TO LOCATION.

(a) Lands Open to Location- Except as provided in subsection (b), mining claims may be located under the general mining laws only on such lands and interests as were open to the location of mining claims under the general mining laws immediately before the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Lands Not Open to Location- Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to valid existing rights, each of the following shall not be open to the location of mining claims under the general mining laws on or after the date of enactment of this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Wilderness study areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Areas of critical environmental concern.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Areas designated for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.), areas designated for potential addition to such system pursuant to section 5(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)), and areas determined to be eligible for inclusion in such system pursuant to section 5(d) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(d)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Any area identified in the set of inventoried roadless areas maps contained in the Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 2, dated November 2000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Existing Authority Not Affected- Nothing in this Act limits the authority granted the Secretary in section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1714) to withdraw public lands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. WITHDRAWAL PETITIONS BY STATES, POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, AND INDIAN TRIBES.

(a) In General- Subject to valid existing rights, any State or political subdivision of a State or an Indian tribe may submit a petition to the Secretary for the withdrawal of a specific tract of Federal land from the operation of the general mining laws, in order to protect specific values identified in the petition that are important to the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe. Such values may include the value of a watershed to supply drinking water, wildlife habitat value, cultural or historic resources, or value for scenic vistas important to the local economy, and other similar values. In the case of an Indian tribe, the petition may also identify religious or cultural values that are important to the Indian tribe. The petition shall contain the information required by section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1714).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Consideration of Petition- The Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) shall solicit public comment on the petition;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) shall make a final decision on the petition within 180 days after receiving it; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) shall grant the petition subject to valid existing rights, unless the Secretary makes and publishes in the Federal Register specific findings why a decision to grant the petition would be against the national interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENTCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 301. GENERAL STANDARD FOR HARDROCK MINING ON FEDERAL LAND.

Notwithstanding section 302(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1732(b)), the first section of the Act of June 4, 1897 (chapter 2; 30 Stat. 36 16 U.S.C. 478), and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.), and in accordance with this title and applicable law, unless expressly stated otherwise in this Act, the Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) shall ensure that mineral activities on any Federal land that is subject to a mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim is carefully controlled to prevent undue degradation of public lands and resources; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) shall not grant permission to engage in mineral activities if the Secretary, after considering the evidence, makes and publishes in the Federal Register a determination that undue degradation would result from such activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 302. PERMITS.

(a) Permits Required- No person may engage in mineral activities on Federal land that may cause a disturbance of surface resources, including but not limited to land, air, ground water and surface water, and fish and wildlife, unless--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the claim was properly located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with such laws and this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) a permit was issued to such person under this title authorizing such activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Negligible Disturbance- Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), a permit under this title shall not be required for mineral activities that are a casual use of the Federal land.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Coordination With NEPA Process- To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct the permit processes under this Act in coordination with the timing and other requirements under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 303. EXPLORATION PERMIT.

(a) Authorized Exploration Activity- Any claim holder may apply for an exploration permit for any mining claim authorizing the claim holder to remove a reasonable amount of the locatable minerals from the claim for analysis, study and testing. Such permit shall not authorize the claim holder to remove any mineral for sale nor to conduct any activities other than those required for exploration for locatable minerals and reclamation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Permit Application Requirements- An application for an exploration permit under this section shall be submitted in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary or, for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, and shall contain an exploration plan, a reclamation plan for the proposed exploration, and such documentation as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State environmental laws and regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Reclamation Plan Requirements- The reclamation plan required to be included in a permit application under subsection (b) shall include such provisions as may be jointly prescribed by the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Permit Issuance or Denial- The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, shall issue an exploration permit pursuant to an application under this section unless such Secretary makes any of the following determinations:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The permit application, the exploration plan and reclamation plan are not complete and accurate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The applicant has not demonstrated that proposed reclamation can be accomplished.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The proposed exploration activities and condition of the land after the completion of exploration activities and final reclamation would not conform with the land use plan applicable to the area subject to mineral activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The area subject to the proposed permit is included within an area not open to location under section 201.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The applicant has not demonstrated that the exploration plan and reclamation plan will be in compliance with the requirements of this Act and all other applicable Federal requirements, and any State requirements agreed to by the Secretary of the Interior (or Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The applicant has not demonstrated that the requirements of section 306 (relating to financial assurance) will be met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The applicant is eligible to receive a permit under section 305.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Term of Permit- An exploration permit shall be for a stated term. The term shall be no greater than that necessary to accomplish the proposed exploration, and in no case for more than 10 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Permit Modification- During the term of an exploration permit the permit holder may submit an application to modify the permit. To approve a proposed modification to the permit, the Secretary concerned shall make the same determinations as are required in the case of an original permit, except that the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture may specify by joint rule the extent to which requirements for initial exploration permits under this section shall apply to applications to modify an exploration permit based on whether such modifications are deemed significant or minor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Transfer, Assignment, or Sale of Rights- (1) No transfer, assignment, or sale of rights granted by a permit issued under this section shall be made without the prior written approval of the Secretary or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Such Secretary shall allow a person holding a permit to transfer, assign, or sell rights under the permit to a successor, if the Secretary finds, in writing, that the successor--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is eligible to receive a permit in accordance with section 304(d);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) has submitted evidence of financial assurance satisfactory under section 306; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) meets any other requirements specified by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The successor in interest shall assume the liability and reclamation responsibilities established by the existing permit and shall conduct the mineral activities in full compliance with this Act, and the terms and conditions of the permit as in effect at the time of transfer, assignment, or sale.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Each application for approval of a permit transfer, assignment, or sale pursuant to this subsection shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the Secretary of the Interior in such amount as may be established by such Secretary. Such amount shall be equal to the actual or anticipated cost to the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, of reviewing and approving or disapproving such transfer, assignment, or sale, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 304. OPERATIONS PERMIT.

(a) Operations Permit- (1) Any claim holder that is in compliance with the general mining laws and section 103 of this Act may apply to the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, for an operations permit authorizing the claim holder to carry out mineral activities, other than casual use, on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) any valid mining claim, valid millsite claim, or valid tunnel site claim; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) such additional Federal land as the Secretary may determine is necessary to conduct the proposed mineral activities, if the operator obtains a right-of-way permit for use of such additional lands under title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.) and agrees to pay all fees required under that title for the permit under that title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) If the Secretary decides to issue such permit, the permit shall include such terms and conditions as prescribed by such Secretary to carry out this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Permit Application Requirements- An application for an operations permit under this section shall be submitted in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary concerned and shall contain site characterization data, an operations plan, a reclamation plan, monitoring plans, long-term maintenance plans, to the extent necessary, and such documentation as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State environmental laws and regulations. If the proposed mineral activities will be carried out in conjunction with mineral activities on adjacent non-Federal lands, information on the location and nature of such operations may be required by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Permit Issuance or Denial- (1) After providing for public participation pursuant to subsection (i), the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall issue an operations permit if such Secretary makes each of the following determinations in writing, and shall deny a permit if such Secretary finds that the application and applicant do not fully meet the following requirements:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) The permit application, including the site characterization data, operations plan, and reclamation plan, are complete and accurate and sufficient for developing a good understanding of the anticipated impacts of the mineral activities and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation and control.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The applicant has demonstrated that the proposed reclamation in the operation and reclamation plan can be and is likely to be accomplished by the applicant and will not cause undue degradation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) The condition of the land, including the fish and wildlife resources and habitat contained thereon, after the completion of mineral activities and final reclamation, will conform to the land use plan applicable to the area subject to mineral activities and are returned to a productive use.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) The area subject to the proposed plan is open to location for the types of mineral activities proposed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) The proposed operation has been designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) The applicant will fully comply with the requirements of section 306 (relating to financial assurance) prior to the initiation of operations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) Neither the applicant nor operator, nor any subsidiary, affiliate, or person controlled by or under common control with the applicant or operator, is ineligible to receive a permit under section 305.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(H) The reclamation plan demonstrates that 10 years following mine closure, no treatment of surface or ground water for carcinogens or toxins will be required to meet water quality standards at the point of discharge.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) With respect to any activities specified in the reclamation plan referred to in subsection (b) that constitutes a removal or remedial action under section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the issuance of an operations permit. The Administrator shall ensure that the reclamation plan does not require activities that would increase the costs or likelihood of removal or remedial actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) or corrective actions under the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Term of Permit; Renewal-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) An operations permit--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) shall be for a term that is no longer than the shorter of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the period necessary to accomplish the proposed mineral activities subject to the permit; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) 20 years; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) shall be renewed for an additional 20-year period if the operation is in compliance with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Failure by the operator to commence mineral activities within 2 years of the date scheduled in an operations permit shall require a modification of the permit if the Secretary concerned determines that modifications are necessary to comply with section 201.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Permit Modification-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) During the term of an operations permit the operator may submit an application to modify the permit (including the operations plan or reclamation plan, or both).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, may, at any time, require reasonable modification to any operations plan or reclamation plan upon a determination that the requirements of this Act cannot be met if the plan is followed as approved. Such determination shall be based on a written finding and subject to public notice and hearing requirements established by the Secretary concerned.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) A permit modification is required before changes are made to the approved plan of operations, or if unanticipated events or conditions exist on the mine site, including in the case of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) development of acid or toxic drainage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) loss of springs or water supplies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) water quantity, water quality, or other resulting water impacts that are significantly different than those predicted in the application;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the need for long-term water treatment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) significant reclamation difficulties or reclamation failure;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) the discovery of significant scientific, cultural, or biological resources that were not addressed in the original plan; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) the discovery of hazards to public safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Temporary Cessation of Operations- (1) An operator conducting mineral activities under an operations permit in effect under this title may not temporarily cease mineral activities for a period greater than 180 days unless the Secretary concerned has approved such temporary cessation or unless the temporary cessation is permitted under the original permit. Any operator temporarily ceasing mineral activities for a period greater than 90 days under an operations permit issued before the date of the enactment of this Act shall submit, before the expiration of such 90-day period, a complete application for temporary cessation of operations to the Secretary concerned for approval unless the temporary cessation is permitted under the original permit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) An application for approval of temporary cessation of operations shall include such information required under subsection (b) and any other provisions prescribed by the Secretary concerned to minimize impacts on the environment. After receipt of a complete application for temporary cessation of operations such Secretary shall conduct an inspection of the area for which temporary cessation of operations has been requested.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) To approve an application for temporary cessation of operations, the Secretary concerned shall make each of the following determinations:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) A determination that the methods for securing surface facilities and restricting access to the permit area, or relevant portions thereof, will effectively ensure against hazards to the health and safety of the public and fish and wildlife.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) A determination that reclamation is in compliance with the approved reclamation plan, except in those areas specifically designated in the application for temporary cessation of operations for which a delay in meeting such standards is necessary to facilitate the resumption of operations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) A determination that the amount of financial assurance filed with the permit application is sufficient to assure completion of the reclamation activities identified in the approved reclamation plan in the event of forfeiture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) A determination that any outstanding notices of violation and cessation orders incurred in connection with the plan for which temporary cessation is being requested are either stayed pursuant to an administrative or judicial appeal proceeding or are in the process of being abated to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Permit Reviews- The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall review each permit issued under this section every 10 years during the term of such permit, shall provide public notice of the permit review, and, based upon a written finding, such Secretary shall require the operator to take such actions as the Secretary deems necessary to assure that mineral activities conform to the permit, including adjustment of financial assurance requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Transfer, Assignment, or Sale of Rights- (1) No transfer, assignment, or sale of rights granted by a permit under this section shall be made without the prior written approval of the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, may allow a person holding a permit to transfer, assign, or sell rights under the permit to a successor, if such Secretary finds, in writing, that the successor--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) has submitted information required and is eligible to receive a permit in accordance with section 305;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) has submitted evidence of financial assurance satisfactory under section 306; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) meets any other requirements specified by such Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The successor in interest shall assume the liability and reclamation responsibilities established by the existing permit and shall conduct the mineral activities in full compliance with this Act, and the terms and conditions of the permit as in effect at the time of transfer, assignment, or sale.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Each application for approval of a permit transfer, assignment, or sale pursuant to this subsection shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the Secretary of the Interior, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, in such amount as may be established by such Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such amount shall be equal to the actual or anticipated cost to the Secretary or, for National Forest System lands, to the Secretary of Agriculture, of reviewing and approving or disapproving such transfer, assignment, or sale, as determined by such Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Public Participation- The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly promulgate regulations to ensure transparency and public participation in permit decisions required under this Act, consistent with any requirements that apply to such decisions under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 305. PERSONS INELIGIBLE FOR PERMITS.

(a) Current Violations- Unless corrective action has been taken in accordance with subsection (c), no permit under this title shall be issued or transferred to an applicant if the applicant or any agent of the applicant, the operator (if different than the applicant) of the claim concerned, any claim holder (if different than the applicant) of the claim concerned, or any affiliate or officer or director of the applicant is currently in violation of any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) A provision of this Act or any regulation under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) An applicable State or Federal toxic substance, solid waste, air, water quality, or fish and wildlife conservation law or regulation at any site where mining, beneficiation, or processing activities are occurring or have occurred.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) or any regulation implementing that Act at any site where surface coal mining operations have occurred or are occurring.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Suspension- The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall suspend an operations permit, in whole or in part, if such Secretary determines that any of the entities described in subsection (a) were in violation of any requirement listed in subsection (a) at the time the permit was issued.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Correction- (1) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, may issue or reinstate a permit under this title if the applicant submits proof that the violation referred to in subsection (a) or (b) has been corrected or is in the process of being corrected to the satisfaction of such Secretary and the regulatory authority involved or if the applicant submits proof that the violator has filed and is presently pursuing, a direct administrative or judicial appeal to contest the existence of the violation. For purposes of this section, an appeal of any applicant’s relationship to an affiliate shall not constitute a direct administrative or judicial appeal to contest the existence of the violation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Any permit which is issued or reinstated based upon proof submitted under this subsection shall be conditionally approved or conditionally reinstated, as the case may be. If the violation is not successfully abated or the violation is upheld on appeal, the permit shall be suspended or revoked.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Pattern of Willful Violations- No permit under this Act may be issued to any applicant if there is a demonstrated pattern of willful violations of the environmental protection requirements of this Act by the applicant, any affiliate of the applicant, or the operator or claim holder if different than the applicant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 306. FINANCIAL ASSURANCE.

(a) Financial Assurance Required- (1) After a permit is issued under this title and before any exploration or operations begin under the permit, the operator shall file with the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States. The financial assurance shall be provided in the form of a surety bond, a trust fund, letters of credits, government securities, certificates of deposit, cash, or an equivalent form approved by such Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The financial assurance shall cover all lands within the initial permit area and all affected waters that may require restoration, treatment, or other management as a result of mineral activities, and shall be extended to cover all lands and waters added pursuant to any permit modification made under section 303(f) (relating to exploration permits) or section 304(e) (relating to operations permits), or affected by mineral activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Amount- The amount of the financial assurance required under this section shall be sufficient to assure the completion of reclamation and restoration satisfying the requirements of this Act if the work were to be performed by the Secretary concerned in the event of forfeiture, including the construction and maintenance costs for any treatment facilities necessary to meet Federal and State environmental requirements. The calculation of such amount shall take into account the maximum level of financial exposure which shall arise during the mineral activity and administrative costs associated with a government agency reclaiming the site.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Duration- The financial assurance required under this section shall be held for the duration of the mineral activities and for an additional period to cover the operator’s responsibility for reclamation, restoration, and long-term maintenance, and effluent treatment as specified in subsection (g).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Adjustments- The amount of the financial assurance and the terms of the acceptance of the assurance may be adjusted by the Secretary concerned from time to time as the area requiring coverage is increased or decreased, or where the costs of reclamation or treatment change, or pursuant to section 304(f) (relating to temporary cessation of operations), but the financial assurance shall otherwise be in compliance with this section. The Secretary concerned shall review the financial guarantee every 3 years and as part of the permit application review under section 304(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Release- Upon request, and after notice and opportunity for public comment, and after inspection by the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, such Secretary may, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, release in whole or in part the financial assurance required under this section if the Secretary makes both of the following determinations:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) A determination that reclamation or restoration covered by the financial assurance has been accomplished as required by this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) A determination that the terms and conditions of any other applicable Federal requirements, and State requirements applicable pursuant to cooperative agreements under section 308, have been fulfilled.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Release Schedule- The release referred to in subsection (e) shall be according to the following schedule:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) After the operator has completed any required backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of an area subject to mineral activities and covered by the financial assurance, and has commenced revegetation on the regraded areas subject to mineral activities in accordance with the approved plan, that portion of the total financial assurance secured for the area subject to mineral activities attributable to the completed activities may be released except that sufficient assurance must be retained to address other required reclamation and restoration needs and to assure the long-term success of the revegetation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) After the operator has completed successfully all remaining mineral activities and reclamation activities and all requirements of the operations plan and the reclamation plan, and all other requirements of this Act have been fully met, the remaining portion of the financial assurance may be released.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





During the period following release of the financial assurance as specified in paragraph (1), until the remaining portion of the financial assurance is released as provided in paragraph (2), the operator shall be required to comply with the permit issued under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Effluent- Notwithstanding section 307(b)(4), where any discharge or other water-related condition resulting from the mineral activities requires treatment in order to meet the applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards, the financial assurance shall include the estimated cost of maintaining such treatment for the projected period that will be needed after the cessation of mineral activities. The portion of the financial assurance attributable to such estimated cost of treatment shall not be released until the discharge has ceased for a period of 5 years, as determined by ongoing monitoring and testing, or, if the discharge continues, until the operator has met all applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards for 5 full years without treatment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Environmental Hazards- If the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, determines, after final release of financial assurance, that an environmental hazard resulting from the mineral activities exists, or the terms and conditions of the explorations or operations permit of this Act were not fulfilled in fact at the time of release, such Secretary shall issue an order under section 506 requiring the claim holder or operator (or any person who controls the claim holder or operator) to correct the condition such that applicable laws and regulations and any conditions from the plan of operations are met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 307. OPERATION AND RECLAMATION.

(a) General Rule- (1) The operator shall restore lands subject to mineral activities carried out under a permit issued under this title to a condition capable of supporting--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the uses which such lands were capable of supporting prior to surface disturbance by the operator, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans as determined by the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Reclamation shall proceed as contemporaneously as practicable with the conduct of mineral activities. In the case of a cessation of mineral activities beyond that provided for as a temporary cessation under this Act, reclamation activities shall begin immediately.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Operation and Reclamation Standards- The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly promulgate regulations that establish operation and reclamation standards for mineral activities permitted under this Act. The Secretaries may determine whether outcome-based performance standards or technology-based design standards are most appropriate. The regulations shall address the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Segregation, protection, and replacement of topsoil or other suitable growth medium, and the prevention, where possible, of soil contamination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Maintenance of the stability of all surface areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Control of sediments to prevent erosion and manage drainage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Minimization of the formation and migration of acidic, alkaline, metal-bearing, or other deleterious leachate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Reduction of the visual impact of mineral activities to the surrounding topography, including as necessary pit backfill.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety native to the area affected by mineral activities, and equal in extent of cover to the natural vegetation of the area.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Design and maintenance of leach operations, impoundments, and excess waste according to standard engineering standards to achieve and maintain stability and reclamation of the site.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Removal of structures and roads and sealing of drill holes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) Restoration of, or mitigation for, fish and wildlife habitat disturbed by mineral activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Preservation of cultural, paleontological, and cave resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) Prevention and suppression of fire in the area of mineral activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Surface or Groundwater Withdrawals- The Secretary shall work with State and local governments with authority over the allocation and use of surface and groundwater in the area around the mine site as necessary to ensure that any surface or groundwater withdrawals made as a result of mining activities approved under this section do not cause undue degradation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Special Rule- Reclamation activities for a mining claim that has been forfeited, relinquished, or lapsed, or a plan that has expired or been revoked or suspended, shall continue subject to review and approval by the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 308. STATE LAW AND REGULATION.

(a) State Law- (1) Any reclamation, land use, environmental, or public health protection standard or requirement in State law or regulation that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Act shall not be construed to be inconsistent with any such standard.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Any bonding standard or requirement in State law or regulation that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Act shall not be construed to be inconsistent with such requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Any inspection standard or requirement in State law or regulation that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Act shall not be construed to be inconsistent with such requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Applicability of Other State Requirements- (1) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting any toxic substance, solid waste, or air or water quality, standard or requirement of any State, county, local, or tribal law or regulation, which may be applicable to mineral activities on lands subject to this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect, under applicable law, such person’s interest in water resources affected by mineral activities on lands subject to this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Cooperative Agreements- (1) Any State may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, for the purposes of such Secretary applying such standards and requirements referred to in subsection (a) and subsection (b) to mineral activities or reclamation on lands subject to this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) In such instances where the proposed mineral activities would affect lands not subject to this Act in addition to lands subject to this Act, in order to approve a plan of operations the Secretary concerned shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the State that sets forth a common regulatory framework consistent with the requirements of this Act for the purposes of such plan of operations. Any such common regulatory framework shall not negate the authority of the Federal Government to independently inspect mines and operations and bring enforcement actions for violations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Secretary concerned shall not enter into a cooperative agreement with any State under this section until after notice in the Federal Register and opportunity for public comment and hearing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Prior Agreements- Any cooperative agreement or such other understanding between the Secretary concerned and any State, or political subdivision thereof, relating to the management of mineral activities on lands subject to this Act that was in existence on the date of enactment of this Act may only continue in force until 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. During such 1-year period, the State and the Secretary shall review the terms of the agreement and make changes that are necessary to be consistent with this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 309. LIMITATION ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS.

No permit shall be issued under this title that authorizes mineral activities that would impair the land or resources of a National Park or a National Monument. For purposes of this section, the term ‘impair’ shall include any diminution of the affected land including wildlife, scenic assets, water resources, air quality, and acoustic qualities, or other changes that would impair a citizen’s experience at the National Park or National Monument.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--MINING MITIGATIONCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle A--Locatable Minerals FundCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND.

(a) Establishment- There is established on the books of the Treasury of the United States a separate account to be known as the Locatable Minerals Fund (hereinafter in this subtitle referred to as the ‘Fund’).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Investment- The Secretary shall notify the Secretary of the Treasury as to what portion of the Fund is not, in the Secretary’s judgment, required to meet current withdrawals. The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion of the Fund in public debt securities with maturities suitable for the needs of such Fund and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields on outstanding marketplace obligations of the United States of comparable maturities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. CONTENTS OF FUND.

The following amounts shall be credited to the Fund:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) All moneys collected pursuant to section 506 (relating to enforcement) and section 504 (relating to citizens suits).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) All fees received under section 304(a)(1)(B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) All donations by persons, corporations, associations, and foundations for the purposes of this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) All amounts deposited in the Fund under section 102 (relating to royalties and penalties for underreporting).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) All amounts received by the United States pursuant to section 101 from issuance of patents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) All amounts received by the United States pursuant to section 103 as claim maintenance and location fees minus the moneys allocated for administration of the mining laws by the Department of the Interior.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) All income on investments under section 401(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 403. SUBACCOUNTS.

There shall be in the Fund 2 subaccounts, as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The Hardrock Reclamation Account, which shall consist of two-thirds of the amounts credited to the Fund under section 402 and which shall be administered by the Secretary acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining and Enforcement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Hardrock Community Impact Assistance Account, which shall consist of one-third of the amounts credited to the Fund under section 402 and which shall be administered by the Secretary acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle B--Use of Hardrock Reclamation AccountCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 411. USE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ACCOUNT.

(a) In General- The Secretary is authorized, subject to appropriations, to use moneys in the Hardrock Reclamation Account for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past mineral activities on lands the legal and beneficial title to which resides in the United States, land within the exterior boundary of any national forest system unit, or other lands described in subsection (d) or section 412, including any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Protecting public health and safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Preventing, abating, treating, and controlling water pollution created by abandoned mine drainage, including in river watershed areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Reclaiming and restoring abandoned surface and underground mined areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Reclaiming and restoring abandoned milling and processing areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Backfilling, sealing, or otherwise controlling, abandoned underground mine entries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Revegetating land adversely affected by past mineral activities in order to prevent erosion and sedimentation, to enhance wildlife habitat, and for any other reclamation purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Controlling of surface subsidence due to abandoned underground mines.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Allocation- Of the amounts deposited into the Hardrock Reclamation Account, 50 percent shall be allocated by the Secretary among the States within the boundaries of which occurs production of locatable minerals from mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals from mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, as the case may be, in proportion to the amount of such production in each such State. Expenditures of the remainder of such amounts shall reflect the following priorities in the order stated:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The protection of public health and safety, from extreme danger from the adverse effects of past mineral activities, especially as relates to surface water and groundwater contaminants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The protection of public health and safety, from the adverse effects of past mineral activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The restoration of land, water, and fish and wildlife resources previously degraded by the adverse effects of past mineral activities, which may include restoration activities in river watershed areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Habitat- Reclamation and restoration activities under this subtitle, particularly those identified under subsection (a)(4), shall include appropriate mitigation measures to provide for the continuation of any established habitat for wildlife in existence prior to the commencement of such activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Other Affected Lands- Where mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, or reclamation activities have been carried out with respect to any mineral which would be a locatable mineral if the legal and beneficial title to the mineral were in the United States, if such activities directly affect lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management as well as other lands and if the legal and beneficial title to more than 50 percent of the affected lands resides in the United States, the Secretary is authorized, subject to appropriations, to use moneys in the Hardrock Reclamation Account for reclamation and restoration under subsection (a) for all directly affected lands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Response or Removal Actions- Reclamation and restoration activities under this subtitle which constitute a removal or remedial action under section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601), shall be conducted with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Secretary and the Administrator shall enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to establish procedures for consultation, concurrence, training, exchange of technical expertise and joint activities under the appropriate circumstances, that provide assurances that reclamation or restoration activities under this subtitle shall not be conducted in a manner that increases the costs or likelihood of removal or remedial actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and that avoid oversight by multiple agencies to the maximum extent practicable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 412. ELIGIBLE LANDS AND WATERS.

(a) Eligibility- Reclamation expenditures under this subtitle may only be made with respect to Federal lands or Indian lands or water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal lands or Indian lands where such lands or water resources have been affected by past mineral activities, including any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Lands and water resources which were used for, or affected by, mineral activities and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status before the effective date of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Lands for which the Secretary makes a determination that there is no continuing reclamation responsibility of a claim holder, operator, or other person who abandoned the site prior to completion of required reclamation under State or other Federal laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Lands for which it can be established that such lands do not contain locatable minerals which could economically be extracted through the reprocessing or remining of such lands, unless such considerations are in conflict with the priorities set forth under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Specific Sites and Areas Not Eligible- The provisions of section 411(d) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1240a(d)) shall apply to expenditures made from the Hardrock Reclamation Account.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Inventory- The Secretary shall prepare and maintain a publicly available inventory of abandoned locatable minerals mines on public lands and any abandoned mine on Indian lands that may be eligible for expenditures under this subtitle, and shall deliver a yearly report to the Congress on the progress in cleanup of such sites.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 413. EXPENDITURES.

Moneys available from the Hardrock Reclamation Account may be expended for the purposes specified in section 411 directly by the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The Director may also make such money available for such purposes to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Chief of the United States Forest Service, the Director of the National Park Service, or Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to any other agency of the United States, to an Indian tribe, or to any public entity that volunteers to develop and implement, and that has the ability to carry out, all or a significant portion of a reclamation program under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 414. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Amounts credited to the Hardrock Reclamation Account are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of this subtitle without fiscal year limitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle C--Use of Hardrock Community Impact Assistance AccountCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 421. USE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ACCOUNT.

Amounts in the Hardrock Community Impact Assistance Account shall be available to the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to provide assistance for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities and the provision of public services to States, political subdivisions and Indian tribes that are socially or economically impacted by mineral activities conducted under the general mining laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 422. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

Moneys deposited into the Hardrock Community Impact Assistance Account shall be allocated by the Secretary for purposes of section 421 among the States within the boundaries of which occurs production of locatable minerals from mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals from mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, as the case may be, in proportion to the amount of such production in each such State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE V--ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle A--Administrative ProvisionsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 501. POLICY FUNCTIONS.

(a) Minerals Policy- Section 101 of the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 21a) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in the first sentence by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘and to ensure that mineral extraction and processing not cause undue degradation of the natural and cultural resources of the public lands’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end thereof the following: ‘It shall also be the responsibility of the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the policy provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Mineral Data- Section 5(e)(3) of the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 (30 U.S.C. 1604(e)(3)) is amended by inserting before the period the following: ‘, except that for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture shall promptly initiate actions to improve the availability and analysis of mineral data in public land use decisionmaking’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 502. USER FEES.

(a) In General- The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture may each establish and collect from persons subject to the requirements of this Act such user fees as may be necessary to reimburse the United States for the expenses incurred in administering such requirements. Fees may be assessed and collected under this section only in such manner as may reasonably be expected to result in an aggregate amount of the fees collected during any fiscal year which does not exceed the aggregate amount of administrative expenses referred to in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Adjustment- (1) The Secretary shall adjust the fees required by this section to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor every 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, or more frequently if the Secretary determines an adjustment to be reasonable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Secretary shall provide claimants notice of any adjustment made under this subsection not later than July 1 of any year in which the adjustment is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) A fee adjustment under this subsection shall begin to apply the calendar year following the calendar year in which it is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 503. INSPECTION AND MONITORING.

(a) Inspections- (1) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall make inspections of mineral activities so as to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Secretary concerned shall establish a frequency of inspections for mineral activities conducted under a permit issued under title III, but in no event shall such inspection frequency be less than one complete inspection per calendar quarter or, two per calendar quarter in the case of a permit for which the Secretary concerned approves an application under section 304(f) (relating to temporary cessation of operations). After revegetation has been established in accordance with a reclamation plan, such Secretary shall conduct annually 2 complete inspections. Such Secretary shall have the discretion to modify the inspection frequency for mineral activities that are conducted on a seasonal basis. Inspections shall continue under this subsection until final release of financial assurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3)(A) Any person who has reason to believe he or she is or may be adversely affected by mineral activities due to any violation of the requirements of a permit approved under this Act may request an inspection. The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall determine within 10 working days of receipt of the request whether the request states a reason to believe that a violation exists. If the person alleges and provides reason to believe that an imminent threat to the environment or danger to the health or safety of the public exists, the 10-day period shall be waived and the inspection shall be conducted immediately. When an inspection is conducted under this paragraph, the Secretary concerned shall notify the person requesting the inspection, and such person shall be allowed to accompany the Secretary concerned or the Secretary’s authorized representative during the inspection. The Secretary shall not incur any liability for allowing such person to accompany an authorized representative. The identity of the person supplying information to the Secretary relating to a possible violation or imminent danger or harm shall remain confidential with the Secretary if so requested by that person, unless that person elects to accompany an authorized representative on the inspection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The Secretaries shall, by joint rule, establish procedures for the review of (i) any decision by an authorized representative not to inspect; or (ii) any refusal by such representative to ensure that remedial actions are taken with respect to any alleged violation. The Secretary concerned shall furnish such persons requesting the review a written statement of the reasons for the Secretary’s final disposition of the case.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Monitoring- (1) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall require all operators to develop and maintain a monitoring and evaluation system that shall identify compliance with all requirements of a permit approved under this Act. The Secretary concerned may require additional monitoring to be conducted as necessary to assure compliance with the reclamation and other environmental standards of this Act. Such plan must be reviewed and approved by the Secretary and shall become a part of the explorations or operations permit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The operator shall file reports with the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, on a frequency determined by the Secretary concerned, on the results of the monitoring and evaluation process, except that if the monitoring and evaluation show a violation of the requirements of a permit approved under this Act, it shall be reported immediately to the Secretary concerned. The Secretary shall evaluate the reports submitted pursuant to this paragraph, and based on those reports and any necessary inspection shall take enforcement action pursuant to this section. Such reports shall be maintained by the operator and by the Secretary and shall be made available to the public.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall determine what information shall be reported by the operator pursuant to paragraph (3). A failure to report as required by the Secretary concerned shall constitute a violation of this Act and subject the operator to enforcement action pursuant to section 506.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 504. CITIZENS SUITS.

(a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), any person may commence a civil action on his or her own behalf to compel compliance--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) against any person (including the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture) who is alleged to be in violation of any of the provisions of this Act or any regulation promulgated pursuant to title III of this Act or any term or condition of any permit issued under title III of this Act; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) against the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture where there is alleged a failure of such Secretary to perform any act or duty under this Act, or to promulgate any regulation under this Act, which is not within the discretion of the Secretary concerned.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction over actions brought under this section, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, including actions brought to apply any civil penalty under this Act. The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to compel agency action unreasonably delayed, except that an action to compel agency action reviewable under section 505 may only be filed in a United States district court within the circuit in which such action would be reviewable under section 505.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Exceptions- (1) No action may be commenced under subsection (a) before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date the plaintiff has given notice in writing of such alleged violation to the alleged violator and the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, except that any such action may be brought immediately after such notification if the violation complained of constitutes an imminent threat to the environment or to the health or safety of the public.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) No action may be brought against any person other than the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture under subsection (a)(1) if such Secretary has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil or criminal action in a court of the United States to require compliance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) No action may be commenced under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) against either Secretary to review any rule promulgated by, or to any permit issued or denied by such Secretary if such rule or permit issuance or denial is judicially reviewable under section 505 or under any other provision of law at any time after such promulgation, issuance, or denial is final.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Venue- Venue of all actions brought under this section shall be determined in accordance with section 1391 of title 28, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Costs- The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to this section may award costs of litigation (including attorney and expert witness fees) to any party whenever the court determines such award is appropriate. The court may, if a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction is sought, require the filing of a bond or equivalent security in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Savings Clause- Nothing in this section shall restrict any right which any person (or class of persons) may have under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, under this section, or under any other statute or common law to bring an action to seek any relief against the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture or against any other person, including any action for any violation of this Act or of any regulation or permit issued under this Act or for any failure to act as required by law. Nothing in this section shall affect the jurisdiction of any court under any provision of title 28, United States Code, including any action for any violation of this Act or of any regulation or permit issued under this Act or for any failure to act as required by law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 505. ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL REVIEW.

(a) Review by Secretary- (1)(A) Any person issued a notice of violation or cessation order under section 506, or any person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected by such notice or order, may apply to the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, for review of the notice or order within 30 days after receipt thereof, or as the case may be, within 30 days after such notice or order is modified, vacated, or terminated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Any person who is subject to a penalty assessed under section 506 may apply to the Secretary concerned for review of the assessment within 45 days of notification of such penalty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Any person may apply to such Secretary for review of the decision within 30 days after it is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Pending a review by the Secretary or resolution of an administrative appeal, final decisions (except enforcement actions under section 506) shall be stayed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Secretary concerned shall provide an opportunity for a public hearing at the request of any party to the proceeding as specified in paragraph (1). The filing of an application for review under this subsection shall not operate as a stay of any order or notice issued under section 506.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) For any review proceeding under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall make findings of fact and shall issue a written decision incorporating therein an order vacating, affirming, modifying, or terminating the notice, order, or decision, or with respect to an assessment, the amount of penalty that is warranted. Where the application for review concerns a cessation order issued under section 506 the Secretary concerned shall issue the written decision within 30 days of the receipt of the application for review or within 30 days after the conclusion of any hearing referred to in paragraph (2), whichever is later, unless temporary relief has been granted by the Secretary concerned under paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Pending completion of any review proceedings under this subsection, the applicant may file with the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, a written request that the Secretary grant temporary relief from any order issued under section 506 together with a detailed statement giving reasons for such relief. The Secretary concerned shall expeditiously issue an order or decision granting or denying such relief. The Secretary concerned may grant such relief under such conditions as he or she may prescribe only if such relief shall not adversely affect the health or safety of the public or cause imminent environmental harm to land, air, or water resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The availability of review under this subsection shall not be construed to limit the operation of rights under section 504 (relating to citizen suits).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Judicial Review- (1) Any final action by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture in promulgating regulations to implement this Act, or any other final actions constituting rulemaking to implement this Act, shall be subject to judicial review only in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Any action subject to judicial review under this subsection shall be affirmed unless the court concludes that such action is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise inconsistent with law. A petition for review of any action subject to judicial review under this subsection shall be filed within 60 days from the date of such action, or after such date if the petition is based solely on grounds arising after the 60th day. Any such petition may be made by any person who commented or otherwise participated in the rulemaking or any person who may be adversely affected by the action of the Secretaries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Final agency action under this subsection, including such final action on those matters described under subsection (a), shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with paragraph (4) and pursuant to section 1391 of title 28, United States Code, on or before 60 days from the date of such final action. Any action subject to judicial review under this subsection shall be affirmed unless the court concludes that such action is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise inconsistent with law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The availability of judicial review established in this subsection shall not be construed to limit the operations of rights under section 504 (relating to citizens suits).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The court shall hear any petition or complaint filed under this subsection solely on the record made before the Secretary or Secretaries concerned. The court may affirm or vacate any order or decision or may remand the proceedings to the Secretary or Secretaries for such further action as it may direct.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The commencement of a proceeding under this section shall not, unless specifically ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the action, order, or decision of the Secretary or Secretaries concerned.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Costs- Whenever a proceeding occurs under subsection (a) or (b), at the request of any person, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all costs and expenses (including attorney fees) as determined by the Secretary or Secretaries concerned or the court to have been reasonably incurred by such person for or in connection with participation in such proceedings, including any judicial review of the proceeding, may be assessed against either party as the court, in the case of judicial review, or the Secretary or Secretaries concerned in the case of administrative proceedings, deems proper if it is determined that such party prevailed in whole or in part, achieving some success on the merits, and that such party made a substantial contribution to a full and fair determination of the issues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 506. ENFORCEMENT.

(a) Orders- (1) If the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, or an authorized representative of such Secretary, determines that any person is in violation of any environmental protection requirement under title III or any regulation issued by the Secretaries to implement this Act, such Secretary or authorized representative shall issue to such person a notice of violation describing the violation and the corrective measures to be taken. The Secretary concerned, or the authorized representative of such Secretary, shall provide such person with a period of time not to exceed 30 days to abate the violation. Such period of time may be extended by the Secretary concerned upon a showing of good cause by such person. If, upon the expiration of time provided for such abatement, the Secretary concerned, or the authorized representative of such Secretary, finds that the violation has not been abated he or she shall immediately order a cessation of all mineral activities or the portion thereof relevant to the violation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) If the Secretary concerned, or the authorized representative of the Secretary concerned, determines that any condition or practice exists, or that any person is in violation of any requirement under a permit approved under this Act, and such condition, practice or violation is causing, or can reasonably be expected to cause--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) significant, imminent environmental harm to land, air, water, or fish or wildlife resources,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





such Secretary or authorized representative shall immediately order a cessation of mineral activities or the portion thereof relevant to the condition, practice, or violation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3)(A) A cessation order pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) shall remain in effect until such Secretary, or authorized representative, determines that the condition, practice, or violation has been abated, or until modified, vacated or terminated by the Secretary or authorized representative. In any such order, the Secretary or authorized representative shall determine the steps necessary to abate the violation in the most expeditious manner possible and shall include the necessary measures in the order. The Secretary concerned shall require appropriate financial assurances to ensure that the abatement obligations are met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Any notice or order issued pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) may be modified, vacated, or terminated by the Secretary concerned or an authorized representative of such Secretary. Any person to whom any such notice or order is issued shall be entitled to a hearing on the record.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) If, after 30 days of the date of the order referred to in paragraph (3)(A) the required abatement has not occurred, the Secretary concerned shall take such alternative enforcement action against the claim holder or operator (or any person who controls the claim holder or operator) as will most likely bring about abatement in the most expeditious manner possible. Such alternative enforcement action may include, but is not necessarily limited to, seeking appropriate injunctive relief to bring about abatement. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, from taking alternative enforcement action prior to the expiration of 30 days.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) If a claim holder or operator (or any person who controls the claim holder or operator) fails to abate a violation or defaults on the terms of the permit, the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall forfeit the financial assurance for the plan as necessary to ensure abatement and reclamation under this Act. The Secretary concerned may prescribe conditions under which a surety may perform reclamation in accordance with the approved plan in lieu of forfeiture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall not cause forfeiture of the financial assurance while administrative or judicial review is pending.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) In the event of forfeiture, the claim holder, operator, or any affiliate thereof, as appropriate as determined by the Secretary by rule, shall be jointly and severally liable for any remaining reclamation obligations under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Compliance- The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order, or any other appropriate enforcement order, including the imposition of civil penalties, in the district court of the United States for the district in which the mineral activities are located whenever a person--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) violates, fails, or refuses to comply with any order issued by the Secretary concerned under subsection (a); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) interferes with, hinders, or delays the Secretary concerned in carrying out an inspection under section 503.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Such court shall have jurisdiction to provide such relief as may be appropriate. Any relief granted by the court to enforce an order under paragraph (1) shall continue in effect until the completion or final termination of all proceedings for review of such order unless the district court granting such relief sets it aside.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Delegation- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may utilize personnel of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Penalties- (1) Any person who fails to comply with any requirement of a permit approved under this Act or any regulation issued by the Secretaries to implement this Act shall be liable for a penalty of not more than $25,000 per violation. Each day of violation may be deemed a separate violation for purposes of penalty assessments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) A person who fails to correct a violation for which a cessation order has been issued under subsection (a) within the period permitted for its correction shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 per violation for each day during which such failure continues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Whenever a corporation is in violation of a requirement of a permit approved under this Act or any regulation issued by the Secretaries to implement this Act or fails or refuses to comply with an order issued under subsection (a), any director, officer, or agent of such corporation who knowingly authorized, ordered, or carried out such violation, failure, or refusal shall be subject to the same penalties as may be imposed upon the person referred to in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Suspensions or Revocations- The Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, shall suspend or revoke a permit issued under title III, in whole or in part, if the operator--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) knowingly made or knowingly makes any false, inaccurate, or misleading material statement in any mining claim, notice of location, application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) fails to abate a violation covered by a cessation order issued under subsection (a);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) fails to comply with an order of the Secretary concerned;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) refuses to permit an audit pursuant to this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) fails to maintain an adequate financial assurance under section 306;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) fails to pay claim maintenance fees or other moneys due and owing under this Act; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) with regard to plans conditionally approved under section 305(c)(2), fails to abate a violation to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned, or if the validity of the violation is upheld on the appeal which formed the basis for the conditional approval.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) False Statements; Tampering- Any person who knowingly--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) makes any false material statement, representation, or certification in, or omits or conceals material information from, or unlawfully alters, any mining claim, notice of location, application, record, report, plan, or other documents filed or required to be maintained under this Act; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) falsifies, tampers with, renders inaccurate, or fails to install any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this Act,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this subsection, punishment shall be by a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both. Each day of continuing violation may be deemed a separate violation for purposes of penalty assessments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Knowing Violations- Any person who knowingly--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) engages in mineral activities without a permit required under title III; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) violates any other requirement of a permit issued under this Act, or any condition or limitation thereof,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after the first conviction of such person under this subsection, punishment shall be a fine of not less than $10,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 6 years, or both.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Knowing and Willful Violations- Any person who knowingly and willfully commits an act for which a civil penalty is provided in paragraph (1) of subsection (g) shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $50,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Definition- For purposes of this section, the term ‘person’ includes any officer, agent, or employee of a person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 507. REGULATIONS.

The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue such regulations as are necessary to implement this Act. The regulations implementing title II, title III, title IV, and title V that affect the Forest Service shall be joint regulations issued by both Secretaries, and shall be issued no later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 508. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act, except as otherwise provided in this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Subtitle B--Miscellaneous ProvisionsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 511. OIL SHALE CLAIMS.

Section 2511(f) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘as prescribed by the Secretary’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting before the period the following: ‘in the same manner as required by title II and title III of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 512. PURCHASING POWER ADJUSTMENT.

The Secretary shall adjust all location fees, claim maintenance rates, penalty amounts, and other dollar amounts established in this Act for changes in the purchasing power of the dollar no less frequently than every 5 years following the date of enactment of this Act, employing the Consumer Price Index for All-Urban Consumers published by the Department of Labor as the basis for adjustment, and rounding according to the adjustment process of conditions of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (104 Stat. 890).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 513. SAVINGS CLAUSE.

(a) Special Application of Mining Laws- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as repealing or modifying any Federal law, regulation, order, or land use plan, in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act that prohibits or restricts the application of the general mining laws, including laws that provide for special management criteria for operations under the general mining laws as in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act, to the extent such laws provide for protection of natural and cultural resources and the environment greater than required under this Act, and any such prior law shall remain in force and effect with respect to claims located (or proposed to be located) or converted under this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as applying to or limiting mineral investigations, studies, or other mineral activities conducted by any Federal or State agency acting in its governmental capacity pursuant to other authority. Nothing in this Act shall affect or limit any assessment, investigation, evaluation, or listing pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), or the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 3251 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effect on Other Federal Laws- The provisions of this Act shall supersede the general mining laws, except for those parts of the general mining laws respecting location of mining claims that are not expressly modified by this Act. Except for the general mining laws, nothing in this Act shall be construed as superseding, modifying, amending, or repealing any provision of Federal law not expressly superseded, modified, amended, or repealed by this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as altering, affecting, amending, modifying, or changing, directly or indirectly, any law which refers to and provides authorities or responsibilities for, or is administered by, the Environmental Protection Agency or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, including the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the Safe Drinking Water Act), the Clean Air Act, the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Atomic Energy Act, the Noise Control Act of 1972, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Ocean Dumping Act, the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act, the Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990, and the Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992, or any statute containing an amendment to any of such Acts. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as modifying or affecting any provision of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (Public Law 101-601) or any provision of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996), the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Protection of Conservation Areas- In order to protect the resources and values of National Conservation System units, the Secretary, as appropriate, shall utilize authority under this Act and other applicable law to the fullest extent necessary to prevent mineral activities that could have an adverse impact on the resources or values for which such units were established.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Sovereign Immunity of Indian Tribes- Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to waive the sovereign immunity of any Indian tribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 514. AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC RECORDS.

Copies of records, reports, inspection materials, or information obtained by the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act shall be made immediately available to the public, consistent with section 552 of title 5, United States Code, in central and sufficient locations in the county, multicounty, and State area of mineral activity or reclamation so that such items are conveniently available to residents in the area proposed or approved for mineral activities and on the Internet.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 515. MISCELLANEOUS POWERS.

(a) In General- In carrying out his or her duties under this Act, the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, may conduct any investigation, inspection, or other inquiry necessary and appropriate and may conduct, after notice, any hearing or audit, necessary and appropriate to carrying out his or her duties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Ancillary Powers- In connection with any hearing, inquiry, investigation, or audit under this Act, the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, is authorized to take any of the following actions:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Require, by special or general order, any person to submit in writing such affidavits and answers to questions as the Secretary concerned may reasonably prescribe, which submission shall be made within such reasonable period and under oath or otherwise, as may be necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Administer oaths.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all books, papers, records, documents, matter, and materials, as such Secretary may request.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Order testimony to be taken by deposition before any person who is designated by such Secretary and who has the power to administer oaths, and to compel testimony and the production of evidence in the same manner as authorized under paragraph (3) of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Pay witnesses the same fees and mileage as are paid in like circumstances in the courts of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Enforcement- In cases of refusal to obey a subpoena served upon any person under this section, the district court of the United States for any district in which such person is found, resides, or transacts business, upon application by the Attorney General at the request of the Secretary concerned and after notice to such person, shall have jurisdiction to issue an order requiring such person to appear and produce documents before the Secretary concerned. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as contempt thereof and subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 a day.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Entry and Access- Without advance notice and upon presentation of appropriate credentials, the Secretary, or for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture, or any authorized representative thereof--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) shall have the right of entry to, upon, or through the site of any claim, mineral activities, or any premises in which any records required to be maintained under this Act are located;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) may at reasonable times, and without delay, have access to records, inspect any monitoring equipment, or review any method of operation required under this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) may engage in any work and do all things necessary or expedient to implement and administer the provisions of this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) may, on any mining claim located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act, and without advance notice, stop and inspect any motorized form of transportation that such Secretary has probable cause to believe is carrying locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom from a claim site for the purpose of determining whether the operator of such vehicle has documentation related to such locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom as required by law, if such documentation is required under this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) may, if accompanied by any appropriate law enforcement officer, or an appropriate law enforcement officer alone, stop and inspect any motorized form of transportation which is not on a claim site if he or she has probable cause to believe such vehicle is carrying locatable minerals, concentrates, or products derived therefrom from a claim site on Federal lands or allocated to such claim site. Such inspection shall be for the purpose of determining whether the operator of such vehicle has the documentation required by law, if such documentation is required under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 516. MULTIPLE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AND SURFACE RESOURCES.

The provisions of sections 4 and 6 of the Act of August 13, 1954 (30 U.S.C. 524 and 526), commonly known as the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and the provisions of section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (30 U.S.C. 612), shall apply to all mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with such laws and this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 517. MINERAL MATERIALS.

(a) Determinations- Section 3 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (30 U.S.C. 611), is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by inserting ‘(a)’ before the first sentence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting ‘mineral materials, including but not limited to’ after ‘varieties of’ in the first sentence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking ‘or cinders’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘cinders, and clay’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b)(1) Subject to valid existing rights, after the date of enactment of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, notwithstanding the reference to common varieties in subsection (a) and to the exception to such term relating to a deposit of materials with some property giving it distinct and special value, all deposits of mineral materials referred to in such subsection, including the block pumice referred to in such subsection, shall be subject to disposal only under the terms and conditions of the Materials Act of 1947.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term ‘valid existing rights’ means that a mining claim located for any such mineral material--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) had and still has some property giving it the distinct and special value referred to in subsection (a), or as the case may be, met the definition of block pumice referred to in such subsection;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) was properly located and maintained under the general mining laws prior to the date of enactment of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) was supported by a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit within the meaning of the general mining laws as in effect immediately prior to the date of enactment of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) that such claim continues to be valid under this Act.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Mineral Materials Disposal Clarification- Section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (30 U.S.C. 612), is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘and mineral material’ after ‘vegetative’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘and mineral material’ after ‘vegetative’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Conforming Amendment- Section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1947, entitled ‘An Act to provide for the disposal of materials on the public lands of the United States’ (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by striking ‘common varieties of’ in the first sentence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Short Titles-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) SURFACE RESOURCES- The Act of July 23, 1955, is amended by inserting after section 7 the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 8. This Act may be cited as the ‘Surface Resources Act of 1955’.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) MINERAL MATERIALS- The Act of July 31, 1947, entitled ‘An Act to provide for the disposal of materials on the public lands of the United States’ (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 5. This Act may be cited as the ‘Materials Act of 1947’.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Repeals- (1) Subject to valid existing rights, the Act of August 4, 1892 (27 Stat. 348; 30 U.S.C. 161), commonly known as the Building Stone Act, is hereby repealed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Subject to valid existing rights, the Act of January 31, 1901 (30 U.S.C. 162), commonly known as the Saline Placer Act, is hereby repealed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink