H.R. 1865 would change how hardrock minerals are explored and mined on federal lands. It would end new mining claims under existing mining laws and create a system of licenses and leases. Most mining activities that disturb land or water would need permits, reclamation plans, and financial assurance to cover cleanup. The bill would set royalties and fees, direct much of the collected money to abandoned mine cleanup, protect certain lands from mining, and require consultation with Tribes in specified cases. It also sets inspection, reporting, and enforcement rules. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
People or companies seeking to explore or mine hardrock minerals on federal land would generally need a license or lease and, for activities that disturb resources, a permit. Operators would have to plan and pay for reclamation. The bill would also make some mine records public and allow people to request inspections or bring certain court actions. Existing claims would follow transition rules, and some could be converted to leases.
Mining operators would face fees, royalties, and financial assurance requirements. The bill sets a $200 yearly maintenance fee for most unpatented claims, a displaced-material fee of 7 cents per ton, and minimum royalty rates for covered production. Small miner's leases are exempt from some fees and royalties. The bill also allows agencies to collect user fees to cover administration. No publicly available information gives an overall cost estimate for the bill.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.