Clarifying Mining Rules: Multiple Mill Sites and Abandoned Mine Cleanup Fund.
This law simplifies the process for mining companies to secure multiple small plots (up to 5 acres each) on public land for waste disposal and mineral processing, provided they have an approved operational plan. Crucially, these plots remain public property and cannot be patented. Maintenance fees collected from these new sites will fund a dedicated account solely for cleaning up hazardous, abandoned hardrock mines across the country.
Key points
Miners can now claim multiple small public land plots (up to 5 acres each) for waste disposal and processing operations.
A new Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund is established, financed by fees from these new plots, dedicated to cleaning up old, dangerous mining sites.
The public land used for these mill sites remains public and cannot be converted to private ownership (patented).
Expired
Citizen Poll