This bill addresses mineral leasing, exploration, and development on federal land. For example, the bill
prohibits the issuance of a patent for certain mining or millsite claims;
establishes a permitting and leasing system for hardrock mining;
establishes a 12.5% royalty on new mining operations and an 8% royalty on existing operations, with an exemption for small miners;
protects special places, such as wilderness study areas, roadless areas, and wild and scenic rivers, from hardrock mining activity;
requires consultation prior to undertaking any mineral activities that may have a substantial direct impact on the lands or interests of Indian tribes;
establishes an environmental standard for mining activities to ensure that mining activities prevent undue degradation of public lands and resources;
prescribes requirements for the exploration permit process and for operations permits, including financial assurances; and
authorizes the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund to be used for responding to hazardous substance releases on abandoned hardrock mine land, including efforts to reclaim the land.
Actions
Apr 27, 2022
Referred to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.
Apr 27, 2022
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Apr 26, 2022
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.