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Modernizing Mining Laws: New Royalties, Environmental Protections, and Cleanup Funds

This bill updates mining laws by requiring mining companies to pay royalties on minerals taken from public lands and establishes stricter environmental cleanup rules. It creates a dedicated fund to restore abandoned mine sites, ensuring funding is available for pollution cleanup and land damage restoration.
Key points
Mining companies must now pay a 5-8% royalty on the gross income from minerals extracted from federal land.
New annual fees and stricter permit requirements are introduced to fund the cleanup of abandoned mines.
Operators are required to provide financial assurance (bonds) to guarantee land reclamation after mining ends.
The bill mandates consultation with Native American tribes before mining projects begin near their lands.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_859
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Process start date: 2025-03-05
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Summarized by: gemini-3-pro-preview
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_859.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-03-05.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Mining companies must now pay a 5-8% royalty on the gross income from minerals extracted from federal land.
  • New annual fees and stricter permit requirements are introduced to fund the cleanup of abandoned mines.
  • Operators are required to provide financial assurance (bonds) to guarantee land reclamation after mining ends.
  • The bill mandates consultation with Native American tribes before mining projects begin near their lands.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-19.

CATEGORIES

Environment Economy Public Investments