30 U.S.C. § 1735 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 29: OIL AND GAS ROYALTY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES / Section 1735: Delegation of royalty collections and related activities
Delegation of royalty collections and related activities
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization of Secretary

Upon written request of any State, the Secretary is authorized to delegate, in accordance with the provisions of this section, all or part of the authorities and responsibilities of the Secretary under this chapter to:

(1) conduct inspections, audits, and investigations;

(2) receive and process production and financial reports;

(3) correct erroneous report data;

(4) perform automated verification; and

(5) issue demands, subpoenas, and orders to perform restructured accounting, for royalty management enforcement purposes,

to any State with respect to all Federal land within the State.

(b) Prerequisites

After notice and opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary is authorized to delegate such authorities and responsibilities granted under this section as the State has requested, if the Secretary finds that—

(1) it is likely that the State will provide adequate resources to achieve the purposes of this chapter;

(2) the State has demonstrated that it will effectively and faithfully administer the rules and regulations of the Secretary under this chapter in accordance with the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) of this section;

(3) such delegation will not create an unreasonable burden on any lessee;

(4) the State agrees to adopt standardized reporting procedures prescribed by the Secretary for royalty and production accounting purposes, unless the State and all affected parties (including the Secretary) otherwise agree;

(5) the State agrees to follow and adhere to regulations and guidelines issued by the Secretary pursuant to the mineral leasing laws regarding valuation of production; and

(6) where necessary for a State to have authority to carry out and enforce a delegated activity, the State agrees to enact such laws and promulgate such regulations as are consistent with relevant Federal laws and regulations

with respect to the Federal lands within the State.

(c) Ruling as to consistency of State's proposal

After notice and opportunity for hearing, the Secretary shall issue a ruling as to the consistency of a State's proposal with the provisions of this section and regulations under subsection (d) within 90 days after submission of such proposal. In any unfavorable ruling, the Secretary shall set forth the reasons therefor and state whether the Secretary will agree to delegate to the State if the State meets the conditions set forth in such ruling.

(d) Promulgation of standards and regulations with respect to delegation

After consultation with State authorities, the Secretary shall by rule promulgate, within 12 months after August 13, 1996, standards and regulations pertaining to the authorities and responsibilities to be delegated under subsection (a), including standards and regulations pertaining to—

(1) audits to be performed;

(2) records and accounts to be maintained;

(3) reporting procedures to be required by States under this section;

(4) receipt and processing of production and financial reports;

(5) correction of erroneous report data;

(6) performance of automated verification;

(7) issuance of standards and guidelines in order to avoid duplication of effort;

(8) transmission of report data to the Secretary; and

(9) issuance of demands, subpoenas, and orders to perform restructured accounting, for royalty management enforcement purposes.

Such standards and regulations shall be designed to provide reasonable assurance that a uniform and effective royalty management system will prevail among the States. The records and accounts under paragraph (2) shall be sufficient to allow the Secretary to monitor the performance of any State under this section.

(e) Revocation; issuance of demand or order by Secretary

If, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary finds that any State to which any authority or responsibility of the Secretary has been delegated under this section is in violation of any requirement of this section or any rule thereunder, or that an affirmative finding by the Secretary under subsection (b) can no longer be made, the Secretary may revoke such delegation. If, after providing written notice to a delegated State and a reasonable opportunity to take corrective action requested by the Secretary, the Secretary determines that the State has failed to issue a demand or order to a Federal lessee within the State, that such failure may result in an underpayment of an obligation due the United States by such lessee, and that such underpayment may be uncollected without Secretarial intervention, the Secretary may issue such demand or order in accordance with the provisions of this chapter prior to or absent the withdrawal of delegated authority.

(f) Compensation to State for costs of delegation; allocation of costs

Subject to appropriations, the Secretary shall compensate any State for those costs which may be necessary to carry out the delegated activities under this Section.1 Payment shall be made no less than every quarter during the fiscal year. Compensation to a State may not exceed the Secretary's reasonably anticipated expenditure for performance of such delegated activities by the Secretary. Such costs shall be allocable for the purposes of section 191(b) of this title to the administration and enforcement of laws providing for the leasing of any onshore lands or interests in land owned by the United States. Any further allocation of costs under section 191(b) of this title made by the Secretary for oil and gas activities, other than those costs to compensate States for delegated activities under this chapter, shall be only those costs associated with onshore oil and gas activities and may not include any duplication of costs allocated pursuant to the previous sentence. Nothing in this section affects the Secretary's authority to make allocations under section 191(b) of this title for non-oil and gas mineral activities. All moneys received from sales, bonuses, rentals, royalties, assessments and interest, including money claimed to be due and owing pursuant to a delegation under this section, shall be payable and paid to the Treasury of the United States.

(g) Judicial review

Any action of the Secretary to approve or disapprove a proposal submitted by a State under this section shall be subject to judicial review in the United States district court which includes the capital of the State submitting the proposal.

(h) Existing delegation

Any State operating pursuant to a delegation existing on August 13, 1996, may continue to operate under the terms and conditions of the delegation, except to the extent that a revision of the existing agreement is adopted pursuant to this section.

(Pub. L. 97–451, title II, §205, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 104–185, §3(a), Aug. 13, 1996, 110 Stat. 1702.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

August 13, 1996, referred to in subsec. (d), was in the original "the date of enactment of this section", which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–185, which amended this section generally, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

August 13, 1996, referred to in subsec. (h), was in the original "the date of enactment of this Act", which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–185, which amended this section generally, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–185 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which stated in subsec. (a), authorization of Secretary to delegate to States except permission of Indian tribe required with respect to Indian lands; subsec. (b), prerequisites; subsec. (c), promulgation of regulations defining joint functions; subsec. (d), promulgation of standards and regulations with respect to delegation; subsec. (e), revocation; and subsec. (f), compensation to State for costs of delegation.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–185 applicable with respect to production of oil and gas after the first day of the month following Aug. 13, 1996, see section 11 of Pub. L. 104–185, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

Applicability of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–185 not applicable to any privately owned minerals or with respect to Indian lands, see sections 9 and 10 of Pub. L. 104–185, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
30 U.S.C. § 85 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3: LANDS CONTAINING COAL, OIL, GAS, SALTS, ASPHALTIC MATERIALS, SODIUM, SULPHUR, AND BUILDING STONE / Subchapter II: COAL LAND ENTRIES UNDER NONMINERAL LAND LAWS WITH RESERVATION OF COAL TO UNITED STATES / Section 85: Patents for lands, with reservation of coal; disposal of coal deposits
Patents for lands, with reservation of coal; disposal of coal deposits
Status: in_force

Upon satisfactory proof of full compliance with the provisions of the laws under which entry is made, and of sections 83 to 85 of this title, the entryman shall be entitled to a patent to the land entered by him, which patent shall contain a reservation to the United States of all the coal in the lands so patented, together with the right to prospect for, mine, and remove the same. The coal deposits in such lands shall be subject to disposal by the United States in accordance with the provisions of the coal-land laws in force at the time of such disposal. Any person qualified to acquire coal deposits or the right to mine and remove the coal under the laws of the United States shall have the right, at all times, to enter upon the lands selected, entered, or patented, as provided by sections 83 to 85 of this title, for the purpose of prospecting for coal thereon upon the approval by the Secretary of the Interior of a bond or undertaking to be filed with him as security for the payment of all damages to the crops and improvements on such lands by reason of such prospecting. Any person who has acquired from the United States the coal deposits in any such land, or the right to mine or remove the same, may reenter and occupy so much of the surface thereof as may be required for all purposes reasonably incident to the mining and removal of the coal therefrom, and mine and remove the coal, upon payment of the damages caused thereby to the owner thereof, or upon giving a good and sufficient bond or undertaking in an action instituted in any competent court to ascertain and fix said damages. The owner under such limited patent shall have the right to mine coal for use upon the land for domestic purposes at any time prior to the disposal by the United States of the coal deposits. Nothing herein contained shall be held to deny or abridge the right to present and have prompt consideration of applications to locate, enter, or select, under the land laws of the United States, lands which have been classified as coal lands with a view of disproving such classification and securing a patent without reservation.

(June 22, 1910, ch. 318, §3, 36 Stat. 584.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Supplemental Provisions

See note set out under section 83 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 48 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 2: MINERAL LANDS AND REGULATIONS IN GENERAL / Section 48: Lands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; sale and disposal as public lands
Lands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; sale and disposal as public lands
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in chapter 3A of this title, the provisions of sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 47, 51, and 52 of this title and section 661 of title 43 shall not apply to the mineral lands situated in the States of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, which are declared free and open to exploration and purchase, according to legal subdivisions, in like manner as before the 10th day of May 1872. And any bona fide entries of such lands within the States named since the 10th day of May 1872 may be patented without reference to such sections of this title. Such lands shall be offered for public sale in the same manner, and at the same minimum price, as other public lands.

(R.S. §2345; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §4, 26 Stat. 1097; Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, §1, 41 Stat. 437.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 47, 51 and 52 of this title and section 661 of title 43, referred to in text, were in the original "the preceding provisions of this chapter", meaning chapter 6 of title 32 of the Revised Statutes, consisting of R.S. §§2318 to 2344.

Codification

R.S. §2345 derived from act Feb. 18, 1873, ch. 159, 17 Stat. 465.

Amendments

1920—The exception clause has been inserted at beginning of this section because of act Feb. 25, 1920, which provided that deposits of coal, phosphate, sodium, oil, oil shale, or gas, and lands containing such deposits owned by the United States, shall be subject to disposition in the form and manner provided by this act.
30 U.S.C. § 1734 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 29: OIL AND GAS ROYALTY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES / Section 1734: State suits under Federal law
State suits under Federal law
Status: in_force

(a) Action for royalty, interest, or civil penalty; limitations; notice of suit; award of costs and fees

(1) A State may commence a civil action under this section against any person to recover any royalty, interest, or civil penalty which the State believes is due, based upon credible evidence, with respect to any oil and gas lease on Federal lands located within the State.

(2)(A) No action may be commenced under paragraph (1) prior to 90 days after the State has given notice in writing to the Secretary of the payment required. Such 90-day limitation may be waived by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.

(B) If, within the 90-day period specified in subparagraph (A), the Secretary issues a demand for the payment concerned, no action may be commenced under paragraph (1) with respect to such payment during a 45-day period after issuance of such demand. If, during such 45-day period, the Secretary receives payment in full, no action may be commenced under paragraph (1).

(C) If the Secretary refers the case to the Attorney General of the United States within the 45-day period referred to in subparagraph (B) or within 10 business days after the expiration of such 45-day period, no action may be commenced under paragraph (1) if the Attorney General, within 45 days after the date of such referral, commences, and thereafter diligently prosecutes, a civil action in a court of the United States with respect to the payment concerned.

(3) The State shall notify the Secretary and the Attorney General of the United States of any suit filed by the State under this section.

(4) A court in issuing any final order in any action brought under paragraph (1) may award costs of litigation including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, to any party in such action if the court determines such an award is appropriate.

(b) Venue; jurisdiction of district court

An action brought under subsection (a) of this section may be brought only in a United States district court for the judicial district in which the lease site or the leasing activity complained of is located. Such district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to require compliance or order payment in any such action.

(c) Recovery of civil penalty by State; deposit of rent, royalty, or interest recovery in Treasury of the United States

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any civil penalty recovered by a State under subsection (a) shall be retained by the State and may be expended in such manner and for such purposes as the State deems appropriate.

(2) Any rent, royalty, or interest recovered by a State under subsection (a) shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States in the same manner, and subject to the same requirements, as are applicable in the case of any rent, royalty, or interest collected by an officer or employee of the United States, except that such amounts shall be deposited in the Treasury not later than 10 days after receipt by the State.

(Pub. L. 97–451, title II, §204, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2458.)
30 U.S.C. § 1259 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter V: CONTROL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SURFACE COAL MINING / Section 1259: Performance bonds
Performance bonds
Status: in_force

(a) Filing with regulatory authority; scope; number and amount

After a surface coal mining and reclamation permit application has been approved but before such a permit is issued, the applicant shall file with the regulatory authority, on a form prescribed and furnished by the regulatory authority, a bond for performance payable, as appropriate, to the United States or to the State, and conditional upon faithful performance of all the requirements of this chapter and the permit. The bond shall cover that area of land within the permit area upon which the operator will initiate and conduct surface coal mining and reclamation operations within the initial term of the permit. As succeeding increments of surface coal mining and reclamation operations are to be initiated and conducted within the permit area, the permittee shall file with the regulatory authority an additional bond or bonds to cover such increments in accordance with this section. The amount of the bond required for each bonded area shall depend upon the reclamation requirements of the approved permit; shall reflect the probable difficulty of reclamation giving consideration to such factors as topography, geology of the site, hydrology, and revegetation potential, and shall be determined by the regulatory authority. The amount of the bond shall be sufficient to assure the completion of the reclamation plan if the work had to be performed by the regulatory authority in the event of forfeiture and in no case shall the bond for the entire area under one permit be less than $10,000.

(b) Liability period; execution

Liability under the bond shall be for the duration of the surface coal mining and reclamation operation and for a period coincident with operator's responsibility for revegetation requirements in section 1265 of this title. The bond shall be executed by the operator and a corporate surety licensed to do business in the State where such operation is located, except that the operator may elect to deposit cash, negotiable bonds of the United States Government or such State, or negotiable certificates of deposit of any bank organized or transacting business in the United States. The cash deposit or market value of such securities shall be equal to or greater than the amount of the bond required for the bonded area.

(c) Bond of applicant without separate surety; alternate system

The regulatory authority may accept the bond of the applicant itself without separate surety when the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the regulatory authority the existence of a suitable agent to receive service of process and a history of financial solvency and continuous operation sufficient for authorization to self-insure or bond such amount or in lieu of the establishment of a bonding program, as set forth in this section, the Secretary may approve as part of a State or Federal program an alternative system that will achieve the objectives and purposes of the bonding program pursuant to this section.

(d) Deposit of cash or securities

Cash or securities so deposited shall be deposited upon the same terms as the terms upon which surety bonds may be deposited. Such securities shall be security for the repayment of such negotiable certificate of deposit.

(e) Adjustments

The amount of the bond or deposit required and the terms of each acceptance of the applicant's bond shall be adjusted by the regulatory authority from time to time as affected land acreages are increased or decreased or where the cost of future reclamation changes.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title V, §509, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 479.)
30 U.S.C. § 624 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 16: MINERAL DEVELOPMENT OF LANDS WITHDRAWN FOR POWER DEVELOPMENT / Section 624: Protection of existing valid claims
Protection of existing valid claims
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter contained shall be construed to limit or restrict the rights of the owner or owners of any valid mining claim located prior to the date of withdrawal or reservation: Provided, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit or restrict the rights of the owner or owners of any mining claim who are diligently working to make a discovery of valuable minerals at the time any future withdrawal or reservation for power development is made.

(Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 797, §5, 69 Stat. 683.)
30 U.S.C. § 1442 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 26: DEEP SEABED HARD MINERAL RESOURCES / Subchapter II: TRANSITION TO INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT / Section 1442: Effect of international agreement
Effect of international agreement
Status: in_force

If an international agreement enters into force with respect to the United States, any provision of subchapter I, this subchapter, or subchapter III, and any regulation issued under any such provision, which is not inconsistent with such international agreement shall continue in effect with respect to United States citizens. In the implementation of such international agreement the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall make every effort, to the maximum extent practicable consistent with the provisions of that agreement, to provide for the continued operation of exploration and commercial recovery activities undertaken by United States citizens prior to entry into force of the agreement. The Administrator shall submit to the Congress, within one year after the date of such entry into force, a report on the actions taken by the Administrator under this section, which report shall include, but not be limited to—

(1) a description of the status of deep seabed mining operations of United States citizens under the international agreement; and

(2) an assessment of whether United States citizens who were engaged in exploration or commercial recovery on the date such agreement entered into force have been permitted to continue their operations.

(Pub. L. 96–283, title II, §202, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 576.)
30 U.S.C. § 501 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 11: MINING CLAIMS ON LANDS SUBJECT TO MINERAL LEASING LAWS / Section 501: Mining claims located between July 31, 1939, and January 1, 1953
Mining claims located between July 31, 1939, and January 1, 1953
Status: in_force

(a) Force and effect

Subject to the provisions of this chapter and to any valid intervening rights acquired under laws of the United States, any mining claim located under the mining laws of the United States subsequent to July 31, 1939, and prior to January 1, 1953, on lands of the United States which were, at the time of such location—

(1) included in a permit or lease issued under the mineral leasing laws; or

(2) covered by an application or offer for a permit or lease which had been filed under the mineral leasing laws; or

(3) known to be valuable for minerals subject to disposition under the mineral leasing laws;

shall be effective to the same extent as if such mining claim had been located on lands which were at the time of such location subject to location under the mining laws of the United States: Provided, however, That in order to obtain the benefits of this chapter, the owner of any such mining claim shall, not later than one hundred and twenty days after August 12, 1953, post on such claim in the manner required for posting notice of location of mining claims and file for record in the office where the notice or certificate of location of such claim is of record an amended notice of location of such claim, stating that such notice is filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and for the purpose of obtaining the benefits thereof.

(b) Labor and improvement

Labor performed or improvements made upon or for the benefit of such mining claims after the original location thereof shall be recognized as applicable thereto for all purposes to the same extent as labor performed and improvements made upon or for the benefit of mining claims which are not affected by this chapter.

(c) Withdrawal or reservation

Any withdrawal or reservation made after the original location of such mining claim affecting land covered by such mining claim is modified and amended so that the effect thereof upon such mining claim shall be the same as if such mining claim had been located upon lands of the United States, which, subsequent to July 31, 1939, and prior to the date of such withdrawal, were subject to location under the mining laws of the United States.

(Aug. 12, 1953, ch. 405, §1, 67 Stat. 539.)
30 U.S.C. § 1308b (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter VII: ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1308b: Transfer of computer hardware, software and other technical equipment
Transfer of computer hardware, software and other technical equipment
Status: in_force

In fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, with funds available for the Technical Innovation and Professional Services program in this or any other Act with respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary may transfer title for computer hardware, software and other technical equipment to State and tribal regulatory and reclamation programs.

(Pub. L. 113–235, div. F, title I, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2407.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is div. F of Pub. L. 113–235, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2396, known as the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the appropriation act cited as the credit to this section, and not as part of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Similar Provisions

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriations act:

Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title I, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 299.
30 U.S.C. § 621 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 16: MINERAL DEVELOPMENT OF LANDS WITHDRAWN FOR POWER DEVELOPMENT / Section 621: Entry to lands reserved for power development
Entry to lands reserved for power development
Status: in_force

(a) Conditions of entry

All public lands belonging to the United States heretofore, now or hereafter withdrawn or reserved for power development or power sites shall be open to entry for location and patent of mining claims and for mining, development, beneficiation, removal, and utilization of the mineral resources of such lands under applicable Federal statutes: Provided, That all power rights to such lands shall be retained by the United States: Provided further, That locations made under this chapter within the revested Oregon and California Railroad and reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon grant lands shall also be subject to the provisions of the Act of April 8, 1948, Public Law 477 (Eightieth Congress, second session): And provided further, That nothing contained herein shall be construed to open for the purposes described in this section any lands (1) which are included in any project operating or being constructed under a license or permit issued under the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] or other Act of Congress, or (2) which are under examination and survey by a prospective licensee of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, if such prospective licensee holds an uncanceled preliminary permit issued under the Federal Power Act authorizing him to conduct such examination and survey with respect to such lands and such permit has not been renewed in the case of such prospective licensee more than once.

(b) Placer claims; notice; hearing; order; rules and regulations

The locator of a placer claim under this chapter, however, shall conduct no mining operations for a period of sixty days after the filing of a notice of location pursuant to section 623 of this title. If the Secretary of the Interior, within sixty days from the filing of the notice of location, notifies the locator by registered mail or certified mail of the Secretary's intention to hold a public hearing to determine whether placer mining operations would substantially interfere with other uses of the land included within the placer claim, mining operations on that claim shall be further suspended until the Secretary has held the hearing and has issued an appropriate order. The order issued by the Secretary of the Interior shall provide for one of the following: (1) a complete prohibition of placer mining; (2) a permission to engage in placer mining upon the condition that the locator shall, following placer operations, restore the surface of the claim to the condition in which it was immediately prior to those operations; or (3) a general permission to engage in placer mining. No order by the Secretary with respect to such operations shall be valid unless a certified copy is filed in the same State or county office in which the locator's notice of location has been filed in compliance with the United States mining laws.

The Secretary shall establish such rules and regulations as he deems desirable concerning bonds and deposits with respect to the restoration of lands to their condition prior to placer mining operations. Moneys received from any bond or deposit shall be used for the restoration of the surface of the claim involved, and any money received in excess of the amount needed for the restoration of the surface of that claim shall be refunded.

(c) Validity of withdrawals unaffected

Nothing in this chapter shall affect the validity of withdrawals or reservations for purposes other than power development.

(Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 797, §2, 69 Stat. 682; Pub. L. 86–507, §1(27), June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 202; Pub. L. 95–91, title IV, §402(a)(1)(A), title VII, §§703, 707, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 584, 606, 607.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of April 8, 1948, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Apr. 8, 1948, ch. 179, 62 Stat. 162, which is not classified to the Code.

The Federal Power Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 10, 1920, ch. 285, 41 Stat. 1063, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§791a et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of Title 16 and Tables.

Amendments

1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–507 inserted "or certified mail" after "registered mail".

Short Title

Act Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 797, §1, 69 Stat. 681, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Mining Claims Rights Restoration Act of 1955'."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

"Federal Energy Regulatory Commission" substituted for "Federal Power Commission" in subsec. (a) pursuant to sections 402(a)(1)(A), 703, and 707 of Pub. L. 95–91, which are classified to sections 7172(a)(1)(A), 7293, and 7297 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and which terminated the Federal Power Commission and transferred its functions relating to licensing and permits for dams, reservoirs, or other works for development and improvement of navigation and for development and utilization of power across, along, from, or in navigable waters under part I of Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
30 U.S.C. § 1004 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 23: GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES / Section 1004: Rents and royalties
Rents and royalties
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Geothermal leases shall provide for—

(1) a royalty on electricity produced using geothermal resources, other than direct use of geothermal resources, that shall be—

(A) not less than 1 percent and not more than 2.5 percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of electricity produced from such resources during the first 10 years of production under the lease; and

(B) not less than 2 and not more than 5 percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of electricity produced from such resources during each year after such 10-year period;

(2) a royalty on any byproduct that is a mineral specified in the first section of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181), and that is derived from production under the lease, at the rate of the royalty that applies under that Act [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.] to production of the mineral under a lease under that Act; and

(3) payment in advance of an annual rental of not less than—

(A) for each of the 1st through 10th years of the lease—

(i) in the case of a lease awarded in a noncompetitive lease sale, $1 per acre or fraction thereof; or

(ii) in the case of a lease awarded in a competitive lease sale, $2 per acre or fraction thereof for the 1st year and $3 per acre or fraction thereof for each of the 2nd through 10th years; and

(B) for each year after the 10th year of the lease, $5 per acre or fraction thereof; 1

(b) Direct use

(1) In general

Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall establish a schedule of fees, in lieu of royalties for geothermal resources, that a lessee or its affiliate—

(A) uses for a purpose other than the commercial generation of electricity; and

(B) does not sell.

(2) Schedule of fees

The schedule of fees—

(A) may be based on the quantity or thermal content, or both, of geothermal resources used;

(B) shall ensure a fair return to the United States for use of the resource; and

(C) shall encourage development of the resource.

(3) State, tribal, or local governments

If a State, tribal, or local government is the lessee and uses geothermal resources without sale and for public purposes other than commercial generation of electricity, the Secretary shall charge only a nominal fee for use of the resource.

(4) Final regulation

In issuing any final regulation establishing a schedule of fees under this subsection, the Secretary shall seek—

(A) to provide lessees with a simplified administrative system;

(B) to facilitate development of direct use of geothermal resources; and

(C) to contribute to sustainable economic development opportunities in the area.

(c) Final regulation establishing royalty rates

In issuing any final regulation establishing royalty rates under this section, the Secretary shall seek—

(1) to provide lessees a simplified administrative system;

(2) to encourage new development; and

(3) to achieve the same level of royalty revenues over a 10-year period as the regulation in effect on August 8, 2005.

(d) Credits for in-kind payments of electricity

The Secretary may provide to a lessee a credit against royalties owed under this chapter, in an amount equal to the value of electricity provided under contract to a State or county government that is entitled to a portion of such royalties under section 1019 of this title, section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 191), except as otherwise provided by this section, or section 355 of this title, if—

(1) the Secretary has approved in advance the contract between the lessee and the State or county government for such in-kind payments;

(2) the contract establishes a specific methodology to determine the value of such credits; and

(3) the maximum credit will be equal to the royalty value owed to the State or county that is a party to the contract and the electricity received will serve as the royalty payment from the Federal Government to that entity.

(e) Crediting of rental toward royalty

Any annual rental under this section that is paid with respect to a lease before the first day of the year for which the annual rental is owed shall be credited to the amount of royalty that is required to be paid under the lease for that year.

(f) Advanced royalties required for cessation of production

(1) In general

Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), if, at any time after commercial production under a lease is achieved, production ceases for any reason, the lease shall remain in full force and effect for a period of not more than an aggregate number of 10 years beginning on the date production ceases, if, during the period in which production is ceased, the lessee pays royalties in advance at the monthly average rate at which the royalty was paid during the period of production.

(2) Reduction

The amount of any production royalty paid for any year shall be reduced (but not below 0) by the amount of any advanced royalties paid under the lease to the extent that the advance royalties have not been used to reduce production royalties for a prior year.

(3) Exceptions

Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the cessation in production is required or otherwise caused by—

(A) the Secretary;

(B) the Secretary of the Air Force;

(C) the Secretary of the Army;

(D) the Secretary of the Navy;

(E) a State or a political subdivision of a State; or

(F) a force majeure.

(g) Termination of lease for failure to pay rental

(1) In general

The Secretary shall terminate any lease with respect to which rental is not paid in accordance with this chapter and the terms of the lease under which the rental is required, on the expiration of the 45-day period beginning on the date of the failure to pay the rental.

(2) Notification

The Secretary shall promptly notify a lessee that has not paid rental required under the lease that the lease will be terminated at the end of the period referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Reinstatement

A lease that would otherwise terminate under paragraph (1) shall not terminate under that paragraph if the lessee pays to the Secretary, before the end of the period referred to in paragraph (1), the amount of rental due plus a late fee equal to 10 percent of the amount.

(Pub. L. 91–581, §5, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1567; Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §§223(a), 224(a), 228, 230, 232, 233, 236(7), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 661, 662, 667–670, 672.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Mineral Leasing Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–58, §§223(a)(1)–(3), 224(a)(1), 228, 230(1)–(3), 233(a), 236(7), inserted section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading, redesignated subpars. (1) and (2) of par. (c) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, redesignated pars. (a) to (d) as pars. (1) to (4), respectively, of subsec. (a), added new pars. (1) to (3) of subsec. (a) and struck out former pars. (1) to (4) of subsec. (a) which related to royalties for amount or value of steam or other form of heat energy, royalty for value of byproducts, payment of annual rental, and royalties in lieu of rentals.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–58, §223(a)(4), added subsec. (b).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 109–58, §224(a)(2), added subsecs. (c) and (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–58, §230(4), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–58, §232, added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–58, §233(b), added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §223(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 662, provided that: "The schedule of fees established under the amendment made by subsection (a)(4) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to payments under a lease converted under this subsection that are due and owing, and have been paid, on or after July 16, 2003. This subsection shall not require the refund of royalties paid to a State under section 20 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1019) prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005]."

Incentives and Royalties for Existing Leases

Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §224(c)–(e), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 663, 664, provided that:

"(c) Near-Term Production Incentive for Existing Leases.—

"(1) In general.—Notwithstanding section 5(a) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 [30 U.S.C. 1004(a)], the royalty required to be paid shall be 50 percent of the amount of the royalty otherwise required, on any lease issued before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005] that does not convert to new royalty terms under subsection (e)—

"(A) with respect to commercial production of energy from a facility that begins such production in the 6-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; or

"(B) on qualified expansion geothermal energy.

"(2) 4-year application.—Paragraph (1) applies only to new commercial production of energy from a facility in the first 4 years of such production.

"(d) Definition of Qualified Expansion Geothermal Energy.—In this section [amending this section and section 1019 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section], the term 'qualified expansion geothermal energy' means geothermal energy produced from a generation facility for which—

"(1) the production is increased by more than 10 percent as a result of expansion of the facility carried out in the 6-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005]; and

"(2) such production increase is greater than 10 percent of the average production by the facility during the 5-year period preceding the expansion of the facility (as such average is adjusted to reflect any trend in changes in production during that period).

"(e) Royalty Under Existing Leases.—

"(1) In general.—Any lessee under a lease issued under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005] may, within the time period specified in paragraph (2), submit to the Secretary of the Interior a request to modify the terms of the lease relating to payment of royalties to provide—

"(A) in the case of a lease that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of section 5 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1004) (as amended by section 223), that royalties be based on the schedule of fees established under that section; and

"(B) in the case of any other lease, that royalties be computed on a percentage of the gross proceeds from the sale of electricity, at a royalty rate that is expected to yield total royalty payments equivalent to payments that would have been received for comparable production under the royalty rate in effect for the lease before the date of enactment of this subsection.

"(2) Timing.—A request for a modification under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Interior by the date that is not later than—

"(A) in the case of a lease for direct use, 18 months after the effective date of the schedule of fees established by the Secretary of the Interior under section 5 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1004); or

"(B) in the case of any other lease, 18 months after the effective date of the final regulation issued under subsection (a) [amending this section].

"(3) Application of modification.—If the lessee requests modification of a lease under paragraph (1)—

"(A) the Secretary of the Interior shall, within 180 days after the receipt of the request for modification, modify the lease to comply with—

"(i) in the case of a lease for direct use, the schedule of fees established by the Secretary under section 5 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1004); or

"(ii) in the case of any other lease, the royalty for the lease established under paragraph (1)(B); and

"(B) the modification shall apply to any use of geothermal resources to which subsection (a) [amending this section] applies that occurs after the date of the modification.

"(4) Consultation.—The Secretary of the Interior shall consult with the State and local governments affected by any proposed changes in lease royalty terms under this subsection."

1 So in original. The semicolon probably should be a period.
30 U.S.C. § 1472 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 26: DEEP SEABED HARD MINERAL RESOURCES / Subchapter III: ENFORCEMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1472: Deep Seabed Revenue Sharing Trust Fund; establishment
Deep Seabed Revenue Sharing Trust Fund; establishment
Status: in_force

(a) Creation of Trust Fund

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the "Deep Seabed Revenue Sharing Trust Fund" (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Trust Fund"), consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to the Trust Fund as provided in this section.

(b) Transfer to Trust Fund of amounts equivalent to certain taxes

(1) In general

There are hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to the amounts of the taxes received in the Treasury under section 4495 1 of title 26.

(2) Method of transfer

The amounts appropriated by paragraph (1) shall be transferred at least quarterly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund on the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury of the amounts referred to in paragraph (1) received in the Treasury. Proper adjustments shall be made in the amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amount required to be transferred.

(c) Management of Trust Fund

(1) Report

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to hold the Trust Fund, and to report to the Congress for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, and each fiscal year thereafter on the financial condition and the results of the operations of the Trust Fund during the preceding year and on its expected condition and operations during the fiscal year and the next five fiscal years after the fiscal year. Such report shall be printed as a House document of the session of the Congress to which the report is made.

(2) Investment

(A) In general

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to invest such portion of the Trust Fund as is not, in his judgment, required to meet current withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States. For such purpose, such obligations may be acquired (i) on original issue at the issue price, or (ii) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price.

(B) Sale of obligations

Any obligation acquired by the Trust Fund may be sold by the Secretary at the market price.

(C) Interest on certain proceeds

The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Trust Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Trust Fund.

(d) Expenditures from Trust Fund

If an international deep seabed treaty is ratified by and in effect with respect to the United States on or before the date ten years after June 28, 1980, amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available, as provided by appropriations Acts, for making contributions required under such treaty for purposes of the sharing among nations of the revenues from deep seabed mining. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to authorize any program or other activity not otherwise authorized by law.

(e) Use of funds

If an international deep seabed treaty is not in effect with respect to the United States on or before the date ten years after June 28, 1980, amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available for such purposes as Congress may hereafter provide by law.

(f) International deep seabed treaty

For purposes of this section, the term "international deep seabed treaty" has the meaning given to such term by section 4498(b) 1 of title 26.

(Pub. L. 96–283, title IV, §403, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 584; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095.)

References in Text

Sections 4495 and 4498 of title 26, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1) and (f), were repealed by Pub. L. 105–34, title XIV, §1432(b)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1050.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of title IV of Pub. L. 96–283, and not as part of title III of Pub. L. 96–283, which comprises this subchapter.

Amendments

1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c)(1) of this section relating to the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 143 of House Document No. 103–7.

1 See References in Text note below.
30 U.S.C. § 940 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter IV: BLACK LUNG BENEFITS / Section 940: Applicability of amendments to part B of this subchapter to this part
Applicability of amendments to part B of this subchapter to this part
Status: in_force

The amendments made by the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977 and the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981 to part B of this subchapter shall, to the extent appropriate, also apply to this part.

(Pub. L. 91–173, title IV, §430, as added Pub. L. 92–303, §5(10), May 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 156; amended Pub. L. 95–239, §10, Mar. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 100; Pub. L. 97–119, title II, §202(d), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1643.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 92–303, May 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 150, which is classified generally to sections 901, 902, 921 to 925, 931 to 934, and 936 to 941 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 901 of this title and Tables.

The Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 95–239, Mar. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 95. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1978 Amendment note set out under section 801 of this title and Tables.

The Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 97–119, title II, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1643, which amended this section and sections 901, 902, 921, 922, 923, and 932 of this title and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 901 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1981 Amendment note set out under section 801 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1981—Pub. L. 97–119 inserted ", and the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981".

1978—Pub. L. 95–239 inserted reference to amendments made by the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977 and struck out provision that, for the purpose of determining the applicability of the presumption established by 921(c)(4) of this title to claims filed under this part, no period of employment after June 30, 1971, could be considered in determining whether a miner was employed at least fifteen years in one or more underground mines.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–119 effective Jan. 1, 1982, except as otherwise provided, see section 206(a) of Pub. L. 97–119, set out as a note under section 901 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–239 effective Mar. 1, 1978, see section 20(a) of Pub. L. 95–239, set out as a note under section 901 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 34 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 2: MINERAL LANDS AND REGULATIONS IN GENERAL / Section 34: Description of vein claims on surveyed and unsurveyed lands; monuments on ground to govern conflicting calls
Description of vein claims on surveyed and unsurveyed lands; monuments on ground to govern conflicting calls
Status: in_force

The description of vein or lode claims upon surveyed lands shall designate the location of the claims with reference to the lines of the public survey, but need not conform therewith; but where patents have been or shall be issued for claims upon unsurveyed lands, the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in extending the public survey, shall adjust the same to the boundaries of said patented claims so as in no case to interfere with or change the true location of such claims as they are officially established upon the ground. Where patents have issued for mineral lands, those lands only shall be segregated and shall be deemed to be patented which are bounded by the lines actually marked, defined, and established upon the ground by the monuments of the official survey upon which the patent grant is based, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management in executing subsequent patent surveys, whether upon surveyed or unsurveyed lands, shall be governed accordingly. The said monuments shall at all times constitute the highest authority as to what land is patented, and in case of any conflict between the said monuments of such patented claims and the descriptions of said claims in the patents issued therefor the monuments on the ground shall govern, and erroneous or inconsistent descriptions or calls in the patent descriptions shall give way thereto.

(R.S. §2327; Apr. 28, 1904, ch. 1796, 33 Stat. 545; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2327 derived from act May 10, 1872, ch. 152, §8, 17 Stat. 94.

Amendments

1925—Act Mar. 3, 1925, affected words now reading "United States supervisor of surveys" in first and second sentences of text. These words formerly read "the surveyor-general." This act abolished the office of surveyor general, and transferred to and consolidated with the Field Surveying Service, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supervisor of Surveys, the administration, equipment, etc., of such office.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Director of the Bureau of Land Management, substituted for United States Supervisor of Surveys wherever appearing. In the establishment of the Bureau of Land Management by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, the office of Supervisor of Surveys was abolished and the functions and powers were transferred to the Secretary of the Interior, to be performed by such officers or agencies of the Department as might be designated by the Secretary. Under that authority, the functions and powers formerly exercised by the Supervisor of Surveys were delegated to the Chief Cadastral Engineer, subject to the supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. In the general reorganization and realignment of functions of the Bureau, the office of the Chief Cadastral Engineer was abolished, and the functions of that office have been delegated to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. See 43 C.F.R. §9180.0–3(a)(1).

See also note set out under section 1 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 283 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter IX: POTASH / Section 283: Lands containing valuable deposits not covered by permits or leases; authority to lease; acreage; conditions; renewals; exemptions from rentals and royalties; suspension of operations
Lands containing valuable deposits not covered by permits or leases; authority to lease; acreage; conditions; renewals; exemptions from rentals and royalties; suspension of operations
Status: in_force

Lands known to contain valuable deposits enumerated in this subchapter and not covered by permits or leases shall be held subject to lease by the Secretary of the Interior through advertisement, competitive bidding, or such other methods as he may by general regulations adopt, and in such areas as he shall fix, not exceeding two thousand five hundred and sixty acres; all leases to be conditioned upon the payment by the lessee of such royalty as may be fixed in the lease, not less than 2 per centum of the quantity or gross value of the output of potassium compounds and other related products, except sodium, at the point of shipment to market, and the payment in advance of a rental of 25 cents per acre for the first calendar year or fraction thereof; 50 cents per acre for the second, third, fourth, and fifth years, respectively; and $1 per acre per annum thereafter during the continuance of the lease, such rental for any year being credited against royalties accruing for that year. Any lease issued under this subchapter shall be for a term of twenty years and so long thereafter as the lessee complies with the terms and conditions of the lease and upon the further condition that at the end of each twenty-year period succeeding the date of the lease such reasonable adjustment of the terms and conditions thereof may be made therein as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior unless otherwise provided by law at the expiration of such periods. Leases shall be conditioned upon a minimum annual production or the payment of a minimum royalty in lieu thereof, except when production is interrupted by strikes, the elements, or casualties not attributable to the lessee. The Secretary of the Interior may permit suspension of operations under any such leases when marketing conditions are such that the leases cannot be operated except at a loss. The Secretary upon application by the lessee prior to the expiration of any existing lease in good standing shall amend such lease to provide for the same tenure and to contain the same conditions, including adjustment at the end of each twenty-year period succeeding the date of said lease, as provided for in this subchapter. In the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior the area involved in any lease resulting from a prospecting permit may be exempt from any rental in excess of 25 cents per acre for twenty years succeeding its issue, and the production of potassium compounds under such a lease may be exempt from any royalty in excess of the minimum prescribed in this subchapter for the same period.

(Feb. 7, 1927, ch. 66, §3, 44 Stat. 1057; June 3, 1948, ch. 379, §9, 62 Stat. 292.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1948—Act June 3, 1948, increased renewal term from ten to twenty years, provided for reasonable adjustment of terms, provided minimum conditions, and permitted suspension of operations under certain conditions.
30 U.S.C. § 191b (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 191b: Collection of unpaid and underpaid royalties and late payment interest owed by lessees
Collection of unpaid and underpaid royalties and late payment interest owed by lessees
Status: in_force

Beginning in fiscal year 1996 and thereafter, the Secretary shall take appropriate action to collect unpaid and underpaid royalties and late payment interest owed by Federal and Indian mineral lessees and other royalty payors on amounts received in settlement or other resolution of disputes under, and for partial or complete termination of, sales agreements for minerals from Federal and Indian leases.

(Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(c) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–156, 1321–167; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Similar Provisions

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation act:

Pub. L. 103–332, title I, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2508.
30 U.S.C. § 962 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter V: ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS / Section 962: Acceptance of contributions and prosecution of projects; cooperative programs to promote health and safety education and training; recognition and funding of Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association; use of funds for costs of mine rescue and survival operations
Acceptance of contributions and prosecution of projects; cooperative programs to promote health and safety education and training; recognition and funding of Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association; use of funds for costs of mine rescue and survival operations
Status: in_force

The Secretary is authorized to accept lands, buildings, equipment, and other contributions from public and private sources and to prosecute projects in cooperation with other agencies, Federal, State, or private: Provided further, That the Mine Safety and Health Administration is authorized to promote health and safety education and training in the mining community through cooperative programs with States, industry, and safety associations: Provided further, That the Secretary is authorized to recognize the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association as a principal safety association and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, may provide funds and, with or without reimbursement, personnel, including service of Mine Safety and Health Administration officials as officers in local chapters or in the national organization: Provided further, That any funds available to the Department of Labor may be used, with the approval of the Secretary, to provide for the costs of mine rescue and survival operations in the event of a major disaster.

(Pub. L. 118–47, div. D, title I, Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 640.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Secretary, referred to in text, is the Secretary of Labor as referred to in title I of division D of Pub. L. 118–47. See third proviso under the heading "Training and Employment Services" (138 Stat. 629), which is not classified to the Code.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the appropriation act cited as the credit to this section, and not as part of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Similar Provisions

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 117–328, div. H, title I, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4845.

Pub. L. 117–103, div. H, title I, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 432.

Pub. L. 116–260, div. H, title I, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1558.

Pub. L. 116–94, div. A, title I, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2547.

Pub. L. 115–245, div. B, title I, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3058.

Pub. L. 115–141, div. H, title I, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 706.

Pub. L. 115–31, div. H, title I, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 512.

Pub. L. 114–113, div. H, title I, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2593.

Pub. L. 113–235, div. G, title I, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2460.

Pub. L. 113–76, div. H, title I, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 357.

Pub. L. 112–74, div. F, title I, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1060.

Pub. L. 111–117, div. D, title I, Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3235.

Pub. L. 111–8, div. F, title I, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 759.

Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title I, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2164.

Pub. L. 109–149, title I, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2841.

Pub. L. 108–447, div. F, title I, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3120.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title I, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 233.

Pub. L. 108–7, div. G, title I, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 305.

Pub. L. 107–116, title I, Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2183.

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(1) [title I], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–9.

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(4) [title I], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–223.

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title I], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–344.

Pub. L. 105–78, title I, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1475.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(e) [title I], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–233, 3009–240.

Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(d) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–211, 1321–218; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.

Pub. L. 103–333, title I, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2545.

Pub. L. 103–112, title I, Oct. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 1088.

Pub. L. 102–394, title I, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1797.

Pub. L. 102–170, title I, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1112.

Pub. L. 101–517, title I, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2195.

Pub. L. 101–166, title I, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1164.

Pub. L. 100–436, title I, Sept. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1686.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(h) [title I], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–256, 1329–262.

Pub. L. 99–500, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–287, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(i) [H.R. 5233, title I], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–287.

Pub. L. 99–178, title I, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1107.

Pub. L. 98–619, title I, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3310.

Pub. L. 98–139, title I, Oct. 31, 1983, 97 Stat. 876.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(e)(1) [title I], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1878, 1883.

Pub. L. 97–92, §101(a) [H.R. 4560, title I], Dec. 15, 1981, 95 Stat. 1183.

Pub. L. 96–536, §101(a) [incorporating H.R. 4389, title I, for FY 1980], Dec. 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3166.

Pub. L. 96–123, §101(g) [H.R. 4389, title I], Nov. 20, 1979, 93 Stat. 925.

Pub. L. 95–480, title I, Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1570.

Pub. L. 95–355, title I, Sept. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 529.
30 U.S.C. § 1234 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter IV: ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATIONS / Section 1234: Eligible lands and water
Eligible lands and water
Status: in_force

Lands and water eligible for reclamation or drainage abatement expenditures under this subchapter are those which were mined for coal or which were affected by such mining, wastebanks, coal processing, or other coal mining processes, except as provided for under section 1240a of this title, and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status prior to August 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing reclamation responsibility under State or other Federal laws. For other provisions relating to lands and waters eligible for such expenditures, see section 1232(g)(4) of this title, section 1233(b)(1) of this title, and section 1239 of this title. Surface coal mining operations on lands eligible for remining shall not affect the eligibility of such lands for reclamation and restoration under this subchapter after the release of the bond or deposit for any such operation as provided under section 1269 of this title. In the event the bond or deposit for a surface coal mining operation on lands eligible for remining is forfeited, funds available under this subchapter may be used if the amount of such bond or deposit is not sufficient to provide for adequate reclamation or abatement, except that if conditions warrant the Secretary shall immediately exercise his authority under section 1240 of this title.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title IV, §404, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 459; Pub. L. 101–508, title VI, §6006, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–295; Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, §2503(d), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3103.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Pub. L. 102–486 inserted at end "Surface coal mining operations on lands eligible for remining shall not affect the eligibility of such lands for reclamation and restoration under this subchapter after the release of the bond or deposit for any such operation as provided under section 1269 of this title. In the event the bond or deposit for a surface coal mining operation on lands eligible for remining is forfeited, funds available under this subchapter may be used if the amount of such bond or deposit is not sufficient to provide for adequate reclamation or abatement, except that if conditions warrant the Secretary shall immediately exercise his authority under section 1240 of this title."

1990—Pub. L. 101–508 inserted ", except as provided for under section 1240a of this title" after "processes" and inserted at end "For other provisions relating to lands and waters eligible for such expenditures, see section 1232(g)(4) of this title, section 1233(b)(1) of this title, and section 1239 of this title."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–508 effective Oct. 1, 1991, see section 6014 of Pub. L. 101–508 set out as a note under section 1231 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 541 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 12A: ENTRY AND LOCATION ON COAL LANDS ON DISCOVERY OF SOURCE MATERIAL / Section 541: Entry and location; filing of copy of notice of mining location; report and payment for lignite mined; mineral patents; reservation of minerals to United States
Entry and location; filing of copy of notice of mining location; report and payment for lignite mined; mineral patents; reservation of minerals to United States
Status: in_force

Subject to the conditions and provisions of this chapter and to any valid intervening rights acquired under the laws of the United States, public lands of the United States classified as or known to be valuable for coal subject to disposition under the mineral leasing laws and which are open to location and entry subject to the conditions and provisions of chapter 12 of this title, unless embraced within a coal prospecting permit or lease, shall also be open to location and entry under the mining laws of the United States upon the discovery of a valuable source material occurring within any seam, bed, or deposit of lignite in such lands: Provided, That a copy of the notice of any mining location made for source material occurring in any such bed, seam, or deposit, shall be filed for record in the land office of the Bureau of Land Management for the State in which the claim is situated within ninety days after the date of its location: Provided further, That the claimant to any such mining location shall report annually to the Mining Supervisor of the Geological Survey the amount of lignite mined or stripped in the recovery of such valuable source material during each calendar year and tender payment to him of 10 cents per ton thereon. Any mineral patents issued hereunder shall be made subject to the recording and payment requirements of this section and shall contain a reservation to the United States of all Leasing Act minerals owned by the United States other than lignite containing valuable source material and lignite necessary to be stripped or mined in the recovery of such material. Mining claims located and mineral patents issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not include rights to lignite not containing valuable source material except to the extent it may be necessary to mine or strip such lignite in order to mine the source material and, with respect to lode claims, shall not include extralateral rights. For all purposes of this chapter "source material" and "lignite" shall have the meanings given in section 541e of this title.

(Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 795, §1, 69 Stat. 679.)
30 U.S.C. § 282 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter IX: POTASH / Section 282: Leases to permittees of lands showing valuable deposits; royalty
Leases to permittees of lands showing valuable deposits; royalty
Status: in_force

Upon showing to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Interior that valuable deposits of one of the substances enumerated in this subchapter has been discovered by the permittee within the area covered by his permit, and that such land is chiefly valuable therefor, the permittee shall be entitled to a lease for any or all of the land embraced in the prospecting permit, at a royalty of not less than 2 per centum of the quantity or gross value of the output of potassium compounds and other related products, except sodium, at the point of shipment to market, such lease to be taken in compact form by legal subdivisions of the public land surveys, or if the land be not surveyed, by survey executed at the cost of the permittee in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior.

(Feb. 7, 1927, ch. 66, §2, 44 Stat. 1057.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which comprises this chapter.
30 U.S.C. § 1272 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter V: CONTROL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SURFACE COAL MINING / Section 1272: Designating areas unsuitable for surface coal mining
Designating areas unsuitable for surface coal mining
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment of State planning process; standards; State process requirements; integration with present and future land use planning and regulation processes; savings provisions

(1) To be eligible to assume primary regulatory authority pursuant to section 1253 of this title, each State shall establish a planning process enabling objective decisions based upon competent and scientifically sound data and information as to which, if any, land areas of a State are unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations pursuant to the standards set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection but such designation shall not prevent the mineral exploration pursuant to the chapter of any area so designated.

(2) Upon petition pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the State regulatory authority shall designate an area as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations if the State regulatory authority determines that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of this chapter is not technologically and economically feasible.

(3) Upon petition pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, a surface area may be designated unsuitable for certain types of surface coal mining operations if such operations will—

(A) be incompatible with existing State or local land use plans or programs; or

(B) affect fragile or historic lands in which such operations could result in significant damage to important historic, cultural, scientific, and esthetic values and natural systems; or

(C) affect renewable resource lands in which such operations could result in a substantial loss or reduction of long-range productivity of water supply or of food or fiber products, and such lands to include aquifers and aquifer recharge areas; or

(D) affect natural hazard lands in which such operations could substantially endanger life and property, such lands to include areas subject to frequent flooding and areas of unstable geology.

(4) To comply with this section, a State must demonstrate it has developed or is developing a process which includes—

(A) a State agency responsible for surface coal mining lands review;

(B) a data base and an inventory system which will permit proper evaluation of the capacity of different land areas of the State to support and permit reclamation of surface coal mining operations;

(C) a method or methods for implementing land use planning decisions concerning surface coal mining operations; and

(D) proper notice, opportunities for public participation, including a public hearing prior to making any designation or redesignation, pursuant to this section.

(5) Determinations of the unsuitability of land for surface coal mining, as provided for in this section, shall be integrated as closely as possible with present and future land use planning and regulation processes at the Federal, State, and local levels.

(6) The requirements of this section shall not apply to lands on which surface coal mining operations are being conducted on August 3, 1977, or under a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, or where substantial legal and financial commitments in such operation were in existence prior to January 4, 1977.

(b) Review of Federal lands

The Secretary shall conduct a review of the Federal lands to determine, pursuant to the standards set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section, whether there are areas on Federal lands which are unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations: Provided, however, That the Secretary may permit surface coal mining on Federal lands prior to the completion of this review. When the Secretary determines an area on Federal lands to be unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations, he shall withdraw such area or condition any mineral leasing or mineral entries in a manner so as to limit surface coal mining operations on such area. Where a Federal program has been implemented in a State pursuant to section 1254 of this title, the Secretary shall implement a process for designation of areas unsuitable for surface coal mining for non-Federal lands within such State and such process shall incorporate the standards and procedures of this section. Prior to designating Federal lands unsuitable for such mining, the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate State and local agencies.

(c) Petition; intervention; decision

Any person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected shall have the right to petition the regulatory authority to have an area designated as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations, or to have such a designation terminated. Such a petition shall contain allegations of facts with supporting evidence which would tend to establish the allegations. Within ten months after receipt of the petition the regulatory authority shall hold a public hearing in the locality of the affected area, after appropriate notice and publication of the date, time, and location of such hearing. After a person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected has filed a petition and before the hearing, as required by this subsection, any person may intervene by filing allegations of facts with supporting evidence which would tend to establish the allegations. Within sixty days after such hearing, the regulatory authority shall issue and furnish to the petitioner and any other party to the hearing, a written decision regarding the petition, and the reasons therefore.1 In the event that all the petitioners stipulate agreement prior to the requested hearing, and withdraw their request, such hearing need not be held.

(d) Statement

Prior to designating any land areas as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations, the regulatory authority shall prepare a detailed statement on (i) the potential coal resources of the area, (ii) the demand for coal resources, and (iii) the impact of such designation on the environment, the economy, and the supply of coal.

(e) Prohibition on certain Federal public and private surface coal mining operations

After August 3, 1977, and subject to valid existing rights no surface coal mining operations except those which exist on August 3, 1977, shall be permitted—

(1) on any lands within the boundaries of units of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge Systems, the National System of Trails, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including study rivers designated under section 1276(a) of title 16 and National Recreation Areas designated by Act of Congress;

(2) on any Federal lands within the boundaries of any national forest: Provided, however, That surface coal mining operations may be permitted on such lands if the Secretary finds that there are no significant recreational, timber, economic, or other values which may be incompatible with such surface mining operations and—

(A) surface operations and impacts are incident to an underground coal mine; or

(B) where the Secretary of Agriculture determines, with respect to lands which do not have significant forest cover within those national forests west of the 100th meridian, that surface mining is in compliance with the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 [16 U.S.C. 528–531], the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1975, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, and the provisions of this chapter: And provided further, That no surface coal mining operations may be permitted within the boundaries of the Custer National Forest;

(3) which will adversely affect any publicly owned park or places included in the National Register of Historic Sites unless approved jointly by the regulatory authority and the Federal, State, or local agency with jurisdiction over the park or the historic site;

(4) within one hundred feet of the outside right-of-way line of any public road, except where mine access roads or haulage roads join such right-of-way line and except that the regulatory authority may permit such roads to be relocated or the area affected to lie within one hundred feet of such road, if after public notice and opportunity for public hearing in the locality a written finding is made that the interests of the public and the landowners affected thereby will be protected; or

(5) within three hundred feet from any occupied dwelling, unless waived by the owner thereof, nor within three hundred feet of any public building, school, church, community, or institutional building, public park, or within one hundred feet of a cemetery.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title V, §522, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 507.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, referred to in subsec. (e)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 86–517, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215, which is classified generally to sections 528 to 531 of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 528 of Title 16 and Tables.

The Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1975, referred to in subsec. (e)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 94–377, Aug. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1083, which was redesignated the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976 by Pub. L. 95–554, §8, Oct. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 2075, and which enacted sections 202a, 208–1, and 208–2 of this title, amended sections 184, 191, 201, 203, 207, 209, and 352 of this title, repealed sections 201–1 and 204 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 181, 184, 201, 201–1, 203, and 204 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 181 of this title and Tables.

The National Forest Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (e)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 94–588, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2949, which enacted sections 472a, 521b, 1600, and 1611 to 1614 of Title 16, Conservation, amended sections 500, 515, 516, 518, 576b, 581h, and 1601 to 1610 of Title 16, repealed sections 476, 513, and 514 of Title 16, enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 476, 513, 528, 594–2, and 1600 of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 1600 of Title 16 and Tables.

1 So in original. Probably should be "therefor."
30 U.S.C. § 29 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 2: MINERAL LANDS AND REGULATIONS IN GENERAL / Section 29: Patents; procurement procedure; filing: application under oath, plat and field notes, notices, and affidavits; posting plat and notice on claim; publication and posting notice in office; certificate; adverse claims; payment per acre; objections; nonresident claimant's agent for execution of application and affidavits
Patents; procurement procedure; filing: application under oath, plat and field notes, notices, and affidavits; posting plat and notice on claim; publication and posting notice in office; certificate; adverse claims; payment per acre; objections; nonresident claimant's agent for execution of application and affidavits
Status: in_force

A patent for any land claimed and located for valuable deposits may be obtained in the following manner: Any person, association, or corporation authorized to locate a claim under sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 48, 50 to 52, 71 to 76 of this title and section 661 of title 43, having claimed and located a piece of land for such purposes, who has, or have, complied with the terms of sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 48, 50 to 52, 71 to 76 of this title, and section 661 of title 43, may file in the proper land office an application for a patent, under oath, showing such compliance, together with a plat and field notes of the claim or claims in common, made by or under the direction of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, showing accurately the boundaries of the claim or claims, which shall be distinctly marked by monuments on the ground, and shall post a copy of such plat, together with a notice of such application for a patent, in a conspicuous place on the land embraced in such plat previous to the filing of the application for a patent, and shall file an affidavit of at least two persons that such notice has been duly posted, and shall file a copy of the notice in such land office, and shall thereupon be entitled to a patent for the land, in the manner following: The register of the land office, upon the filing of such application, plat, field notes, notices, and affidavits, shall publish a notice that such application has been made, for the period of sixty days, in a newspaper to be by him designated as published nearest to such claim; and he shall also post such notice in his office for the same period. The claimant at the time of filing this application, or at any time thereafter, within the sixty days of publication, shall file with the register a certificate of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management that $500 worth of labor has been expended or improvements made upon the claim by himself or grantors; that the plat is correct, with such further description by such reference to natural objects or permanent monuments as shall identify the claim, and furnish an accurate description, to be incorporated in the patent. At the expiration of the sixty days of publication the claimant shall file his affidavit, showing that the plat and notice have been posted in a conspicuous place on the claim during such period of publication. If no adverse claim shall have been filed with the register of the proper land office at the expiration of the sixty days of publication, it shall be assumed that the applicant is entitled to a patent, upon the payment to the proper officer of $5 per acre, and that no adverse claim exists; and thereafter no objection from third parties to the issuance of a patent shall be heard, except it be shown that the applicant has failed to comply with the terms of sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 48, 50 to 52, 71 to 76 of this title and section 661 of title 43. Where the claimant for a patent is not a resident of or within the land district wherein the vein, lode, ledge, or deposit sought to be patented is located, the application for patent and the affidavits required to be made in this section by the claimant for such patent may be made by his, her, or its authorized agent, where said agent is conversant with the facts sought to be established by said affidavits.

(R.S. §2325; Jan. 22, 1880, ch. 9, §1, 21 Stat. 61; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144, 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 21, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 48, 50 to 52, 71 to 76 of this title and section 661 of title 43, referred to in text, were in the original "this chapter", meaning chapter 6 of title 32 of the Revised Statutes, consisting of R.S. §§2318 to 2352.

Codification

R.S. §2325 derived from act May 10, 1872, ch. 152, §6, 17 Stat. 92.

Amendments

1925—Act Mar. 3, 1925, affected words, in first sentence of text, now reading "United States supervisor of surveys," and words, in next to last sentence of text, now reading "register of the proper land office." Those words formerly read "United States surveyor general" and "register and receiver of the proper land office," respectively. This act abolished the office of surveyor general, and transferred to and consolidated with the Field Surveying Service, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supervisor of Surveys, the administration, equipment, etc., of such office, and consolidated the offices and functions of the register and receiver.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Director of the Bureau of Land Management substituted for United States Supervisor of Surveys wherever appearing. In the establishment of The Bureau of Land Management by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, the office of Supervisor of Surveys was abolished and the functions and powers were transferred to the Secretary of the Interior, to be performed by such officers or agencies of the Department as might be designated by the Secretary. Under that authority, the functions and powers formerly exercised by the Supervisor of Surveys were delegated to the Chief Cadastral Engineer, subject to the supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. In the general reorganization and realignment of functions of the Bureau, the office of the Chief Cadastral Engineer was abolished, and the functions of that office have been delegated to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. See 43 C.F.R. §9180.0–3(a)(1).

Office of register of district land office abolished and all functions of register transferred to Secretary of the Interior, or to officers and agencies of Department of the Interior as Secretary may designate, by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, §403, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

See also Transfer of Functions note set out under section 1 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 842 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter II: INTERIM MANDATORY HEALTH STANDARDS / Section 842: Dust concentration and respiratory equipment
Dust concentration and respiratory equipment
Status: in_force

(a) Samples; procedures; transmittal; notice of excess concentration; periodic reports to Secretary; contents

Each operator of a coal mine shall take accurate samples of the amount of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere to which each miner in the active workings of such mine is exposed. Such samples shall be taken by any device approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services and in accordance with such methods, at such locations, at such intervals, and in such manner as the Secretaries shall prescribe in the Federal Register within sixty days from December 30, 1969 and from time to time thereafter. Such samples shall be transmitted to the Secretary in a manner established by him, and analyzed and recorded by him in a manner that will assure application of the provisions of section 814(i) of this title when the applicable limit on the concentration of respirable dust required to be maintained under this section is exceeded. The results of such samples shall also be made available to the operator. Each operator shall report and certify to the Secretary at such intervals as the Secretary may require as to the conditions in the active workings of the coal mine, including, but not limited to, the average number of working hours worked during each shift, the quantity and velocity of air regularly reaching the working faces, the method of mining, the amount and pressure of the water, if any, reaching the working faces, and the number, location, and type of sprays, if any, used.

(b) Standards; noncompliance permit; renewal; procedures; limitations; extension period

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection—

(1) Effective on the operative date of this subchapter, each operator shall continuously maintain the average concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere during each shift to which each miner in the active workings of such mine is exposed at or below 3.0 milligrams of respirable dust per cubic meter of air.

(2) Effective three years after December 30, 1969, each operator shall continuously maintain the average concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere during each shift to which each miner in the active workings of such mine is exposed at or below 2.0 milligrams of respirable dust per cubic meter of air.

(3) Any operator who determines that he will be unable, using available technology, to comply with the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, or the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, as appropriate, may file with the Panel, no later than sixty days prior to the effective date of the applicable respirable dust standard established by such paragraphs, an application for a permit for noncompliance. If, in the case of an application for a permit for noncompliance with the 3.0 milligram standard established by paragraph (1) of this subsection, the application satisfies the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, the Panel shall issue a permit for noncompliance to the operator. If, in the case of an application for a permit for noncompliance with the 2.0 milligram standard established by paragraph (2) of this subsection, the application satisfies the requirements of subsection (c) of this section and the Panel determines that the applicant will be unable to comply with such standard, the Panel shall issue to the operator a permit for noncompliance.

(4) In any case in which an operator, who has been issued a permit (including a renewal permit) for noncompliance under this section, determines, not more than ninety days prior to the expiration date of such permit, that he still is unable to comply with the standard established by paragraph (1) of this subsection or the standard established by paragraph (2) of this subsection, as appropriate, he may file with the Panel an application for renewal of the permit. Upon receipt of such application, the Panel, if it determines, after all interested persons have been notified and given an opportunity for a public hearing under section 804 of this title, that the application is in compliance with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, and that the applicant will be unable to comply with such standard, may renew the permit.

(5) Any such permit or renewal thereof so issued shall be in effect for a period not to exceed one year and shall entitle the permittee during such period to maintain continuously the average concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere during each shift in the working places of such mine to which the permit applies at a level specified by the Panel, which shall be at the lowest level which the application shows the conditions, technology applicable to such mine, and other available and effective control techniques and methods will permit, but in no event shall such level exceed 4.5 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air during the period when the 3.0 milligram standard is in effect, or 3.0 milligrams of dust per cubic meter of air during the period when the 2.0 milligram standard is in effect.

(6) No permit or renewal thereof for noncompliance shall entitle any operator to an extension of time beyond eighteen months from December 30, 1969 to comply with the 3.0 milligram standard established by paragraph (1) of this subsection, or beyond seventy-two months from December 30, 1969 to comply with the 2.0 milligram standard established by paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(c) Applications for noncompliance; contents

Any application for an initial or renewal permit made pursuant to this section shall contain—

(1) a representation by the applicant and the engineer conducting the survey referred to in paragraph (2) of this subsection that the applicant is unable to comply with the standard applicable under subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section at specified working places because the technology for reducing the concentration of respirable dust at such places is not available, or because of the lack of other effective control techniques or methods, or because of any combination of such reasons;

(2) an identification of the working places in such mine for which the permit is requested; the results of an engineering survey by a certified engineer of the respirable dust conditions of each working place of the mine with respect to which such application is filed and the ability to reduce such dust to the level required to be maintained in such place under this section; a description of the ventilation system of the mine and its capacity; the quantity and velocity of air regularly reaching the working faces; the method of mining; the amount and pressure of the water, if any, reaching the working faces; the number, location, and type of sprays, if any; action taken to reduce such dust; and such other information as the Panel may require; and

(3) statements by the applicant and the engineer conducting such survey, of the means and methods to be employed to achieve compliance with the applicable standard, the progress made toward achieving compliance, and an estimate of when compliance can be achieved.

(d) Promulgation of new standards; procedures

Beginning six months after the operative date of this subchapter and from time to time thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish, in accordance with the provisions of section 811 of this title, a schedule reducing the average concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere during each shift to which each miner in the active workings is exposed below the levels established in this section to a level of personal exposure which will prevent new incidences of respiratory disease and the further development of such disease in any person. Such schedule shall specify the minimum time necessary to achieve such levels taking into consideration present and future advancements in technology to reach these levels.

(e) Concentration of respirable dust

References to concentrations of respirable dust in this subchapter mean the average concentration of respirable dust measured with a device approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(f) Average concentration

For the purpose of this subchapter, the term "average concentration" means a determination which accurately represents the atmospheric conditions with regard to respirable dust to which each miner in the active workings of a mine is exposed (1) as measured, during the 18 month period following December 30, 1969, over a number of continuous production shifts to be determined by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and (2) as measured thereafter, over a single shift only, unless the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services find, in accordance with the provisions of section 811 of this title, that such single shift measurement will not, after applying valid statistical techniques to such measurement, accurately represent such atmospheric conditions during such shift.

(g) Compliance inspections

The Secretary shall cause to be made such frequent spot inspections as he deems appropriate of the active workings of coal mines for the purpose of obtaining compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(h) Maintenance of respiratory equipment; substitutes for environmental controls

Respiratory equipment approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall be made available to all persons whenever exposed to concentrations of respirable dust in excess of the levels required to be maintained under this chapter. Use of respirators shall not be substituted for environmental control measures in the active workings. Each operator shall maintain a supply of respiratory equipment adequate to deal with occurrences of concentrations of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere in excess of the levels required to be maintained under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 91–173, title II, §202, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 760; Pub. L. 95–164, title II, §202(a), Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1317; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For the operative date of this subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1) and (d), see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–173, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742, known as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1977—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–164 substituted a general reference to an "approved device" used to measure the average concentration of respirable dust for provisions which had referred to a specific device known as an "MRE instrument".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (a), (d) to (f), and (h) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–164 effective Nov. 9, 1977, see section 307 of Pub. L. 95–164, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section operative six months after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 1028 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 23: GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES / Section 1028: Hot dry rock geothermal energy
Hot dry rock geothermal energy
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of enhanced geothermal systems

In this section, the term "enhanced geothermal systems" has the meaning given the term in section 17191 of title 42.

(b) USGS program

The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall establish a cooperative Government-private sector program with respect to hot dry rock geothermal energy resources on public lands (as such term is defined in section 1702(e) of title 43) and lands managed by the Department of Agriculture, other than any such public or other lands that are withdrawn from geothermal leasing. Such program shall include, but shall not be limited to, activities to identify, select, and classify those areas throughout the United States that have a high potential for hot dry rock geothermal energy production and activities to develop and disseminate information regarding the utilization of such areas for hot dry rock energy production. Such information may include information regarding field test processes and techniques for assuring that hot dry rock geothermal energy development projects are developed in an economically feasible manner without adverse environmental consequences. Utilizing the information developed by the Secretary, together with information developed in connection with other related programs carried out by other Federal agencies, the Secretary, acting through the United States Geological Survey, may also enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with any public or private entity to provide assistance to any such entity to enable such entity to carry out additional projects with respect to the utilization of hot dry rock geothermal energy resources which will further the purposes of this section.

(c) Update to geothermal resource assessment

The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey, and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall update the 2008 United States geothermal resource assessment carried out by the United States Geological Survey, including—

(1) with respect to areas previously identified by the Department of Energy or the United States Geological Survey as having significant potential for hydrothermal energy or enhanced geothermal systems energy, by focusing on—

(A) improving the resolution of resource potential at systematic temperatures and depths, including temperatures and depths appropriate for power generation and direct use applications;

(B) quantifying the total potential to coproduce geothermal energy and minerals;

(C) incorporating data relevant to underground thermal energy storage and exchange, such as aquifer and soil properties; and

(D) producing high resolution maps, including—

(i) maps that indicate key subsurface parameters for electric and direct use resources; and

(ii) risk maps for induced seismicity based on geologic, geographic, and operational parameters; and

(2) to the maximum extent practicable, by coordinating with relevant State officials and institutions of higher education to expand geothermal assessments, including enhanced geothermal systems assessments, to include assessments for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the States of Alaska and Hawaii.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, §2501, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3101; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title III, §3002(m), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2496.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and not as part of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–260, §3002(m)(2), added subsec. (a). Former subsec. (a) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–260, §3002(m)(1), redesignated subsec. (a) as (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–260, §3002(m)(3), added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–260, §3002(m)(1), (4), redesignated subsec. (b) as (d) and substituted "necessary" for "necesary".
30 U.S.C. § 1002 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 23: GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES / Section 1002: Lands subject to geothermal leasing
Lands subject to geothermal leasing
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of section 1014 of this title, the Secretary of the Interior may issue leases for the development and utilization of geothermal resources (1) in lands administered by him, including public, withdrawn, and acquired lands, (2) in any national forest or other lands administered by the Department of Agriculture through the Forest Service, including public, withdrawn, and acquired lands, and (3) in lands which have been conveyed by the United States subject to a reservation to the United States of the geothermal resources therein.

(Pub. L. 91–581, §3, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1566; Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §236(1), (6), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 671, 672.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–58 inserted section catchline and substituted "geothermal resources" for "geothermal steam and associated geothermal resources" in two places in text.
30 U.S.C. § 1297 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter VII: ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1297: Separability
Separability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title VII, §707, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 521.)
30 U.S.C. § 1719 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 29: OIL AND GAS ROYALTY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter I: FEDERAL ROYALTY MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT / Section 1719: Civil penalties
Civil penalties
Status: in_force

(a) Failure to comply with applicable law, to permit inspection, or to notify Secretary of assignment; exceptions to application of penalty

Any person who—

(1) after due notice of violation or after such violation has been reported under subparagraph (A), fails or refuses to comply with any requirements of this chapter or any mineral leasing law, any rule or regulation thereunder, or the terms of any lease or permit issued thereunder; or

(2) fails to permit inspection authorized in section 1718 of this title or fails to notify the Secretary of any assignment under section 1712(a)(2) 1 of this title

shall be liable for a penalty of up to $500 per violation for each day such violation continues, dating from the date of such notice or report. A penalty under this subsection may not be applied to any person who is otherwise liable for a violation of paragraph (1) if:

(A) the violation was discovered and reported to the Secretary or his authorized representative by the liable person and corrected within 20 days after such report or such longer time as the Secretary may agree to; or

(B) after the due notice of violation required in paragraph (1) has been given to such person by the Secretary or his authorized representative, such person has corrected the violation within 20 days of such notification or such longer time as the Secretary may agree to.

(b) Failure to take corrective action

If corrective action in not taken within 40 days or a longer period as the Secretary may agree to, after due notice or the report referred to in subsection (a)(1), such person shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per violation for each day such violation continues, dating from the date of such notice or report.

(c) Failure to make royalty payment; failure to permit lawful entry, inspection, or audit; failure to notify Secretary of well production

Any person who—

(1) knowingly or willfully fails to make any royalty payment by the date as specified by statute, regulation, order or terms of the lease;

(2) fails or refuses to permit lawful entry, inspection, or audit; or

(3) knowingly or willfully fails or refuses to comply with section 1712(b)(3) of this title,

shall be liable for a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation for each day such violation continues.

(d) False information; unauthorized removal, etc., of oil or gas; purchase, sale, etc., of stolen oil or gas

Any person who—

(1) knowingly or willfully prepares, maintains, or submits false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, notices, affidavits, records, data, or other written information;

(2) knowingly or willfully takes or removes, transports, uses or diverts any oil or gas from any lease site without having valid legal authority to do so; or

(3) purchases, accepts, sells, transports, or conveys to another, any oil or gas knowing or having reason to know that such oil or gas was stolen or unlawfully removed or diverted,

shall be liable for a penalty of up to $25,000 per violation for each day such violation continues.

(e) Hearing

No penalty under this section shall be assessed until the person charged with a violation has been given the opportunity for a hearing on the record.

(f) Deduction of penalty from sums owed by United States

The amount of any penalty under this section, as finally determined 2 may be deducted from any sums owing by the United States to the person charged.

(g) Compromise or reduction of penalties

On a case-by-case basis the Secretary may compromise or reduce civil penalties under this section.

(h) Notice

Notice under this 3 subsection (a) shall be by personal service by an authorized representative of the Secretary or by registered mail. Any person may, in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, designate a representative to receive any notice under this subsection.

(i) Reasons on record for amount of penalty

In determining the amount of such penalty, or whether it should be remitted or reduced, and in what amount, the Secretary shall state on the record the reasons for his determinations.

(j) Review

Any person who has requested a hearing in accordance with subsection (e) within the time the Secretary has prescribed for such a hearing and who is aggrieved by a final order of the Secretary under this section may seek review of such order in the United States district court for the judicial district in which the violation allegedly took place. Review by the district court shall be only on the administrative record and not de novo. Such an action shall be barred unless filed within 90 days after the Secretary's final order.

(k) Failure to pay penalty

If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty under this chapter—

(1) after the order making the assessment has become a final order and if such person does not file a petition for judicial review of the order in accordance with subsection (j), or

(2) after a court in an action brought under subsection (j) has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary,

the court shall have jurisdiction to award the amount assessed plus interest from the date of the expiration of the 90-day period referred to in subsection (j). Judgment by the court shall include an order to pay.

(l) Nonliability for leases automatically terminated

No person shall be liable for a civil penalty under subsection (a) or (b) for failure to pay any rental for any lease automatically terminated pursuant to section 188 of this title.

(Pub. L. 97–451, title I, §109, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2454.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1712(a) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 104–185, §6(g), Aug. 13, 1996, 110 Stat. 1715, and, as so amended, no longer contains a par. (2). See section 1712(a) of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

3 So in original.
30 U.S.C. § 1222 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter III: STATE MINING AND MINERAL RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTES / Section 1222: Research funds to institutes
Research funds to institutes
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1990, through September 30, 1994, which shall remain available until expended. Such funds when appropriated shall be made available to an institute or to institutes participating in a generic mineral technology center to meet the necessary expenses for purposes of—

(1) specific mineral research and demonstration projects of broad application, which could not otherwise be undertaken, including the expenses of planning and coordinating regional mining and mineral resources research projects by two or more institutes; and

(2) research into any aspects of mining and mineral resources problems related to the mission of the Department of the Interior, which are deemed by the Committee to be desirable and are not otherwise being studied.

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $1,800,000 for each of the fiscal years after fiscal year 1996 to be made available by the Secretary to an institute or institutes experienced in investigating the continental shelf regions of the United States, the deep seabed and near shore environments of islands, and the Arctic and cold water regions as a source for nonfuel minerals. Such funds are to be used by the institute or institutes to assist in developing domestic technological capabilities required for the location of, and the efficient and environmentally sound recovery of, minerals (other than oil and gas) from the Nation's shallow and deep seabed.

(b) Application for funds; contents

Each application for funds under subsection (a) of this section shall state, among other things, the nature of the project to be undertaken; the period during which it will be pursued; the qualifications of the personnel who will direct and conduct it; the estimated costs; the importance of the project to the Nation, region, or State concerned; its relation to other known research projects theretofore pursued or being pursued; the extent to which the proposed project will provide opportunity for the training of mining and mineral engineers and scientists; and the extent of participation by nongovernmental sources in the project.

(c) Research facilities; selection of institutes; designation of funds for scholarships and fellowships

The Committee shall review all such funding applications and recommend to the Secretary the use of the institutes, insofar as practicable, to perform special research. Recommendations shall be made without regard to the race, religion, or sex of the personnel who will conduct and direct the research, and on the basis of the facilities available in relation to the particular needs of the research project; special geographic, geologic, or climatic conditions within the immediate vicinity of the institute; any other special requirements of the research project; and the extent to which such project will provide an opportunity for training individuals as mineral engineers and scientists. The Committee shall recommend to the Secretary the designation and utilization of such portions of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this section as it deems appropriate for the purpose of providing scholarships, graduate fellowships, and postdoctoral fellowships.

(d) Requirements for receipt of funds

No funds shall be made available under subsection (a) of this section except for a project approved by the Secretary and all funds shall be made available upon the basis of merit of the project, the need for the knowledge which it is expected to produce when completed, and the opportunity it provides for the training of individuals as mineral engineers and scientists.

(e) Restriction on application of funds

No funds made available under this section shall be applied to the acquisition by purchase or lease of any land or interests therein, or the rental, purchase, construction, preservation, or repair of any building.

(Pub. L. 98–409, §2, Aug. 29, 1984, 98 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 100–483, §5, Oct. 12, 1988, 102 Stat. 2339; Pub. L. 104–312, §1(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3819.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984, and not as part of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1222, Pub. L. 95–87, title III, §302, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 452, contained provisions similar to this section covering fiscal years 1978 through 1984.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–312 inserted at end "There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $1,800,000 for each of the fiscal years after fiscal year 1996 to be made available by the Secretary to an institute or institutes experienced in investigating the continental shelf regions of the United States, the deep seabed and near shore environments of islands, and the Arctic and cold water regions as a source for nonfuel minerals. Such funds are to be used by the institute or institutes to assist in developing domestic technological capabilities required for the location of, and the efficient and environmentally sound recovery of, minerals (other than oil and gas) from the Nation's shallow and deep seabed."

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–483, in introductory provisions, substituted "not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1990, through September 30, 1994" for "$10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985. This amount shall be increased by $1,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for four additional years" and "an institute or to institutes participating in a generic mineral technology center" for "institutes".
30 U.S.C. § 1461 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 26: DEEP SEABED HARD MINERAL RESOURCES / Subchapter III: ENFORCEMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1461: Prohibited acts
Prohibited acts
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person who is a United States citizen, or a foreign national on board a vessel documented or numbered under the laws of the United States, or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States under a reciprocating state agreement negotiated under section 1428(e) of this title—

(1) to violate any provision of this chapter, any regulation issued under this chapter, or any term, condition, or restriction of any license or permit issued to such person under this chapter;

(2) to engage in exploration or commercial recovery after the revocation, or during the period of suspension, of an applicable license or permit issued under this chapter, to engage in a particular exploration or commercial recovery activity during the period such activity has been suspended under this chapter, or to fail to modify a particular exploration or commercial recovery activity for which modification was required under this chapter;

(3) to refuse to permit any Federal officer or employee authorized to monitor or enforce the provisions of this chapter, as provided in sections 1424 and 1464 of this title, to board a vessel documented or numbered under the laws of the United States, or any vessel for which such boarding is authorized by a treaty or executive agreement, for purposes of conducting any search or inspection in connection with the monitoring or enforcement of this chapter or any regulation, term, condition, or restriction referred to in paragraph (1);

(4) to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any such authorized officer or employee in the conduct of any search or inspection described in paragraph (3);

(5) to resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by this section;

(6) to ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of any hard mineral resource recovered, processed, or retained in violation of this chapter or any regulation, term, condition, or restriction referred to in paragraph (1); or

(7) to interfere with, delay, or prevent, by any means, the apprehension or arrest of any other person subject to this section knowing that such other person has committed any act prohibited by this section.

(Pub. L. 96–283, title III, §301, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 577.)
30 U.S.C. § 932 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter IV: BLACK LUNG BENEFITS / Section 932: Failure to meet workmen's compensation requirements
Failure to meet workmen's compensation requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Benefits; applicability of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act; promulgation of regulations

Subject to section 28(h)(1) of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1984, during any period after December 31, 1973, in which a State workmen's compensation law is not included on the list published by the Secretary under section 931(b) of this title, the provisions of Public Law 803, 69th Congress (44 Stat. 1424, approved March 4, 1927), as amended [33 U.S.C. 901 et seq.], and as it may be amended from time to time (other than the provisions contained in sections 1, 2, 3, 4,,1 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 51 thereof) [33 U.S.C. 901, 902, 903, 904, 908, 909, 910, 912, 913, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 937, 938, 941, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 948a, 949, 950], shall (except as otherwise provided in this subsection or by regulations of the Secretary and except that references in such Act to the employer shall be considered to refer to the trustees of the fund, as the Secretary considers appropriate and as is consistent with the provisions of section 9501(d) of title 26), be applicable to each operator of a coal mine in such State with respect to death or total disability due to pneumoconiosis arising out of employment in such mine, or with respect to entitlements established in paragraph (5) of section 921(c) of this title. In administering this part, the Secretary is authorized to prescribe in the Federal Register such additional provisions, not inconsistent with those specifically excluded by this subsection, as he deems necessary to provide for the payment of benefits by such operator to persons entitled thereto as provided in this part and thereafter those provisions shall be applicable to such operator.

(b) Liability of operators

During any such period each such operator shall be liable for and shall secure the payment of benefits, as provided in this section and section 933 of this title. An employer, other than an operator of a coal mine, shall not be required to secure the payment of such benefits with respect to any employee of such employer to the extent such employee is engaged in the transportation of coal or in coal mine construction. Upon determination by the Secretary of the eligibility of the employee, the Secretary may require such employer to secure a bond or otherwise guarantee the payment of such benefits to the employee.

(c) Persons entitled to benefits

Benefits shall be paid during such period by each such operator under this section to the categories of persons entitled to benefits under section 922(a) of this title in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary applicable under this section: Provided, That, except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, no benefit shall be payable by any operator on account of death or total disability due to pneumoconiosis (1) which did not arise, at least in part, out of employment in a mine during a period after December 31, 1969, when it was operated by such operator; or (2) which was the subject of a claim denied before March 1, 1978, and which is or has been approved in accordance with the provisions of section 945 2 of this title.

(d) Monthly payments; amounts; accrual of interest

Benefits payable under this section shall be paid on a monthly basis and, except as otherwise provided in this section, such payments shall be equal to the amounts specified in section 922(a) of this title. If payment is not made within the time required, interest shall accrue to such amounts at the rates set forth in section 934(b)(5) of this title for interest owed to the fund. With respect to payments withheld pending final adjudication of liability, in the case of claims filed on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981, such interest shall commence to accumulate 30 days after the date of the determination that such an award should be made.

(e) Conditions upon payment

No payment of benefits shall be required under this section:

(1) except pursuant to a claim filed therefor in such manner, in such form, and containing such information, as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe; or

(2) for any period prior to January 1, 1974.

(f) Limitation on filing of claims

Any claim for benefits by a miner under this section shall be filed within three years after whichever of the following occurs later—

(1) a medical determination of total disability due to pneumoconiosis; or

(2) March 1, 1978.

(g) Reduction of monthly benefits

The amount of benefits payable under this section shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by the amount of any compensation received under or pursuant to any Federal or State workmen's compensation law because of death or disability due to pneumoconiosis. In addition, the amount of benefits payable under this section with respect to any claim filed on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981 shall be reduced, on a monthly or other appropriate basis, by the amount by which such benefits would be reduced on account of excess earnings of such miner under section 403(b) through (l) of title 42 if the amount paid were a benefit payable under section 402 of title 42.

(h) Promulgation of regulations

The Secretary of Labor shall by regulation establish standards, which may include appropriate presumptions, for determining whether pneumoconiosis arose out of employment in a particular coal mine or mines. The Secretary may also, by regulation, establish standards for apportioning liability for benefits under this subsection among more than one operator, where such apportionment is appropriate.

(i) Subsequent operators' liability for benefit payments

(1) During any period in which this section is applicable to the operator of a coal mine who on or after January 1, 1970, acquired such mine or substantially all the assets thereof, from a person (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as a "prior operator") who was an operator of such mine, or owner of such assets on or after January 1, 1970, such operator shall be liable for and shall, in accordance with section 933 of this title, secure the payment of all benefits which would have been payable by the prior operator under this section with respect to miners previously employed by such prior operator as if the acquisition had not occurred and the prior operator had continued to be an operator of a coal mine.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall relieve any prior operator of any liability under this section.

(3)(A) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to corporate reorganizations, liquidations, and such other transactions as are specified in this paragraph.

(B) If an operator ceases to exist by reason of a reorganization or other transaction or series of transactions which involves a change in identity, form, or place of business or organization, however effected, the successor operator or other corporate or business entity resulting from such reorganization or other change shall be treated as the operator to whom this section applies.

(C) If an operator ceases to exist by reason of a liquidation into a parent or successor corporation, the parent or successor corporation shall be treated as the operator to whom this section applies.

(D) If an operator ceases to exist by reason of a sale of substantially all his or her assets, or as the result of a merger, consolidation, or division, the successor operator, corporation, or other business entity shall be treated as the operator to whom this section applies.

(4) In any case in which there is a determination under section 9501(d) of title 26 that no operator is liable for the payment of benefits to a claimant, nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the payment of benefits to a claimant by or on behalf of any operator.

(j) Failure of operators to secure benefits

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, section 9501 of title 26 shall govern the payment of benefits in cases—

(1) described in section 9501(d)(1) of title 26;

(2) in which the miner's last coal mine employment was before January 1, 1970; or

(3) in which there was a claim denied before March 1, 1978, and such claim is or has been approved in accordance with the provisions of section 945 2 of this title.

(k) Secretary as party in claim proceedings

The Secretary shall be a party in any proceeding relative to a claim for benefits under this part.

(l) Filing of new claims or refiling or revalidation of claims of miners already determined eligible at time of death

In no case shall the eligible survivors of a miner who was determined to be eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter at the time of his or her death be required to file a new claim for benefits, or refile or otherwise revalidate the claim of such miner,.3

(Pub. L. 91–173, title IV, §422, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 796; Pub. L. 92–303, §§3(a), (b), 5(2)–(4), (9), 8, May 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 153, 155–157; Pub. L. 95–239, §§3(b)(4), 7(a)–(h), Mar. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 97–99; Pub. L. 97–119, title I, §104(b)(3)–(5), title II, §§203(a)(6), (b), 204, 205(a), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1639, 1644, 1645; Pub. L. 98–426, §28(h)(2), Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1655; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1556(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 260.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 28(h)(1) of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1984, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 28(h)(1) of Pub. L. 98–426, which is set out as a note under section 907 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Public Law 803, 69th Congress, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 509, 44 Stat. 1424, popularly known as the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, which is classified generally to chapter 18 (§901 et seq.) of Title 33. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of Title 33 and Tables.

Section 42 of Public Law 803, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 89-554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 647.

Section 43 of Public Law 803, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 89-348, §1(15), Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1311.

Sections 45, 46, and 47 of Public Law 803, referred to in subsec. (a), were repealed by Pub. L. 98–426, §25, Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1654.

Section 945 of this title, referred to in subsecs. (c), (j)(3), was repealed by Pub. L. 107–275, §2(c)(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116. Stat. 1926.

The effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (g), is Jan. 1, 1982, except as otherwise provided. See section 206(a) of Pub. L. 97–119, set out as an Effective Date of 1981 Amendment note under section 901 of this title.

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 111–148 struck out ", except with respect to a claim filed under this part on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981" after "claim of such miner".

1986—Subsecs. (a), (i)(4), (j). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954" wherever appearing, which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–426 substituted "Subject to section 28(h)(1) of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments of 1984, during" for "During".

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–119, §104(b)(3), substituted "section 9501(d) of title 26" for "section 934 of this title".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–119, §205(a)(1), substituted "due to pneumoconiosis (1)" for "due to pneumoconiosis" and added cl. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–119, §204, inserted provision relating to accrual of interest if payment is not made within the time required and accumulation of interest with respect to payments withheld pending final adjudication of liability in the case of claims filed on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–119, §203(b), inserted provision reducing the amount of benefits payable under this section with respect to any claim filed on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981.

Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 97–119, §104(b)(4), substituted "section 9501(d) of title 26" for "section 934 of this title".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–119, §§104(b)(5), 205(a)(2), substituted in provision preceding par. (1) "section 9501 of title 26" for "section 934 of this title" and in par. (1) "section 9501(d)(1) of title 26" for "section 934(a)(1) of this title" and added par. (3).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 97–119, §203(a)(6), inserted before period at end ", except with respect to a claim filed under this part on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981,".

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–239, §§3(b)(4), 7(a), inserted ", and as it may be amended from time to time" after "as amended", inserted a comma after "and 51 thereof)", substituted "or by regulations of the Secretary and except that references in such Act to the employer shall be considered to refer to the trustees of the fund, as the Secretary considers appropriate and as is consistent with the provisions of section 934 of this title)" for "and except as the Secretary shall by regulation otherwise provide)", and inserted ", or with respect to entitlements established in paragraph (5) of section 921(c) of this title" after "with respect to death or total disability due to pneumoconiosis arising out of employment in such mine".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(b), provided that an employer, other than an operator of a coal mine, shall not be required to secure the payment of benefits with respect to any employee of that employer to the extent that the employee is engaged in the transportation of coal or in coal mine construction and authorized the Secretary to require an employer to secure a bond or otherwise guarantee the payment of benefits.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(c), struck out reference to regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and substituted "employment in a mine during a period after December 31, 1969, when it was operated" for "employment in a mine during the period when it was operated".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(d), struck out par. (3) which had provided that no payment of benefits could be required under this section for any period after twelve years after Dec. 30, 1969.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(e), provided that any claim for benefits by a miner under this section be filed within three years after the later of either a medical determination of total disability due to pneumoconiosis or March 1, 1978, and struck out provisions which had set special limitations on the filing of a claim by a widow.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(f), struck out provision under which the regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare promulgated under section 921 of this title had also been applicable to claims under this section.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(g), imposed claim liability on operators who acquired a mine from a prior operator on or after Jan. 1, 1970, with respect to benefits to miners previously employed by a prior operator, as if the acquisition had not occurred.

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(g), reenacted par. (2) without change.

Subsec. (i)(3), (4). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(g), added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 95–239, §7(h), added subsecs. (j) to (l).

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–303, §§3(b), 5(2), (9), substituted "a coal mine" for "an underground coal mine", "1973" for "1972" and struck out reference to section 7 of Pub. L. 803, 69th Congress (44 Stat. 1424, approved March 4, 1927), respectively,

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 92–303, §5(3), substituted "January 1, 1974" for "January 1, 1973".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 92–303, §5(4), substituted "twelve years" for "seven years".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 92–303, §8, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 92–303, §3(a), substituted "coal mine" for "underground coal mine".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–148 applicable with respect to claims filed under parts B and C of this subchapter after Jan. 1, 2005, that are pending on or after Mar. 23, 2010, see section 1556(c) of Pub. L. 111–148, set out as a note under section 921 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–426 effective Sept. 28, 1984, and applicable both with respect to claims filed after such date and to claims pending on such date, see section 28(a) of Pub. L. 98–426, set out as a note under section 901 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by sections 203(a)(6), (b), 204, 205(a) of Pub. L. 97–119 effective Jan. 1, 1982, except as otherwise provided, see section 206(a) of Pub. L. 97–119, set out as a note under section 901 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–239 effective Mar. 1, 1978, see section 20(a) of Pub. L. 95–239, set out as a note under section 901 of this title.

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Amendment by section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 92–303 effective Dec. 30, 1969, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 92–303, set out as a note under section 901 of this title.

1 So in original.

2 See References in Text note below.

3 So in original.
30 U.S.C. § 823a (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter I: GENERAL / Section 823a: Principal office in District of Columbia; proceedings held elsewhere
Principal office in District of Columbia; proceedings held elsewhere
Status: in_force

The principal office of the Commission shall be in the District of Columbia. Whenever the Commission deems that convenience of the public or the parties may be promoted, or delay or expense may be minimized, it may hold hearings or conduct other proceedings at any other place.

(Pub. L. 95–164, title III, §302(d), Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1320.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of Pub. L. 95–164, known as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–173, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742, known as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 120 days after Nov. 9, 1977, see section 307 of Pub. L. 95–164, set out as an Effective Date of 1977 Amendment note under section 801 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 1603 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 28: MATERIALS AND MINERALS POLICY, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT / Section 1603: Implementation of policies
Implementation of policies
Status: in_force

The President shall, through the Executive Office of the President, coordinate the responsible departments and agencies to implement the policy described in section 1602 of this title and shall—

(1) direct that the responsible departments and agencies identify, assist, and make recommendations for carrying out appropriate policies and programs to ensure adequate, stable, and economical materials supplies essential to national security, economic well-being, and industrial production;

(2) support basic and applied research and development to provide for, among other objectives—

(A) advanced science and technology for the exploration, discovery, and recovery of nonfuel materials;

(B) enhanced methods or processes for the more efficient production and use of renewable and nonrenewable resources;

(C) improved methods for the extraction, processing, use, recovery, and recycling of materials which encourage the conservation of materials, energy, and the environment; and

(D) improved understanding of current and new materials performance, processing, substitution, and adaptability in engineering designs;

(3) provide for improved collection, analysis, and dissemination of scientific, technical and economic materials information and data from Federal, State, and local governments and other sources as appropriate;

(4) assess the need for and make recommendations concerning the availability and adequacy of supply of technically trained personnel necessary for materials research, development, extraction, harvest and industrial practice, paying particular regard to the problem of attracting and maintaining high quality materials professionals in the Federal service;

(5) establish early warning systems for materials supply problems;

(6) recommend to the Congress appropriate measures to promote industrial innovation in materials and materials technologies;

(7) encourage cooperative materials research and problem-solving by—

(A) private corporations performing the same or related activities in materials industries; and

(B) Federal and State institutions having shared interests or objectives;

(8) assess Federal policies which adversely or positively affect all stages of the materials cycle, from exploration to final product recycling and disposal including but not limited to, financial assistance and tax policies for recycled and virgin sources of materials and make recommendations for equalizing any existing imbalances, or removing any impediments, which may be created by the application of Federal law and regulations to the market for materials; and

(9) assess the opportunities for the United States to promote cooperative multilateral and bilateral agreements for materials development in foreign nations for the purpose of increasing the reliability of materials supplies to the Nation.

(Pub. L. 96–479, §4, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2306; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title VII, §7002(m)(3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2576.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2020—Pub. L. 116–260, in introductory provisions, substituted "The" for "For the purpose of implementing the policies set forth in section 1602 of this title and the provisions of section 1604 of this title, the Congress declares that the" and "departments and agencies to implement the policy described in section 1602 of this title" for "departments and agencies,".
30 U.S.C. § 1253 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter V: CONTROL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SURFACE COAL MINING / Section 1253: State programs
State programs
Status: in_force

(a) Regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations; submittal to Secretary; time limit; demonstration of effectiveness

Each State in which there are or may be conducted surface coal mining operations on non-Federal lands, and which wishes to assume exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, except as provided in sections 1271 and 1273 of this title and subchapter IV of this chapter, shall submit to the Secretary, by the end of the eighteenth-month 1 period beginning on August 3, 1977, a State program which demonstrates that such State has the capability of carrying out the provisions of this chapter and meeting its purposes through—

(1) a State law which provides for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations in accordance with the requirements of this chapter;

(2) a State law which provides sanctions for violations of State laws, regulations, or conditions of permits concerning surface coal mining and reclamation operations, which sanctions shall meet the minimum requirements of this chapter, including civil and criminal actions, forfeiture of bonds, suspensions, revocations, and withholding of permits, and the issuance of cease-and-desist orders by the State regulatory authority or its inspectors;

(3) a State regulatory authority with sufficient administrative and technical personnel, and sufficient funding to enable the State to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation operations in accordance with the requirements of this chapter;

(4) a State law which provides for the effective implementations,1 maintenance, and enforcement of a permit system, meeting the requirements of this subchapter for the regulations 1 of surface coal mining and reclamation operations for coal on lands within the State;

(5) establishment of a process for the designation of areas as unsuitable for surface coal mining in accordance with section 1272 of this title provided that the designation of Federal lands unsuitable for mining shall be performed exclusively by the Secretary after consultation with the State; and 1

(6) establishment for the purposes of avoiding duplication, of a process for coordinating the review and issuance of permits for surface coal mining and reclamation operations with any other Federal or State permit process applicable to the proposed operations; and

(7) rules and regulations consistent with regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Approval of program

The Secretary shall not approve any State program submitted under this section until he has—

(1) solicited and publicly disclosed the views of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the heads of other Federal agencies concerned with or having special expertise pertinent to the proposed State program;

(2) obtained the written concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to those aspects of a State program which relate to air or water quality standards promulgated under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.], and the Clean Air Act, as amended [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.];

(3) held at least one public hearing on the State program within the State; and

(4) found that the State has the legal authority and qualified personnel necessary for the enforcement of the environmental protection standards.

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a State program, in whole or in part, within six full calendar months after the date such State program was submitted to him.

(c) Notice of disapproval

If the Secretary disapproves any proposed State program in whole or in part, he shall notify the State in writing of his decision and set forth in detail the reasons therefor. The State shall have sixty days in which to resubmit a revised State program or portion thereof. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove the resubmitted State program or portion thereof within sixty days from the date of resubmission.

(d) Inability of State to take action

For the purposes of this section and section 1254 of this title, the inability of a State to take any action the purpose of which is to prepare, submit or enforce a State program, or any portion thereof, because the action is enjoined by the issuance of an injunction by any court of competent jurisdiction shall not result in a loss of eligibility for financial assistance under subchapters IV and VII of this chapter or in the imposition of a Federal program. Regulation of the surface coal mining and reclamation operations covered or to be covered by the State program subject to the injunction shall be conducted by the State pursuant to section 1252 of this title, until such time as the injunction terminates or for one year, whichever is shorter, at which time the requirements of this section and section 1254 of this title shall again be fully applicable.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title V, §503, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 470.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act June 30, 1948, ch. 758, 62 Stat. 1155, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–500, §2, Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 816, which is classified generally to chapter 26 (§1251 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1251 of Title 33 and Tables.

The Clean Air Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act July 14, 1955, ch. 360, 69 Stat. 322, which is classified generally to chapter 85 (§7401 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7401 of Title 42 and Tables.

1 So in original.
30 U.S.C. § 801 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Section 801: Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
Status: in_force

Congress declares that—

(a) the first priority and concern of all in the coal or other mining industry must be the health and safety of its most precious resource—the miner;

(b) deaths and serious injuries from unsafe and unhealthful conditions and practices in the coal or other mines cause grief and suffering to the miners and to their families;

(c) there is an urgent need to provide more effective means and measures for improving the working conditions and practices in the Nation's coal or other mines in order to prevent death and serious physical harm, and in order to prevent occupational diseases originating in such mines;

(d) the existence of unsafe and unhealthful conditions and practices in the Nation's coal or other mines is a serious impediment to the future growth of the coal or other mining industry and cannot be tolerated;

(e) the operators of such mines with the assistance of the miners have the primary responsibility to prevent the existence of such conditions and practices in such mines;

(f) the disruption of production and the loss of income to operators and miners as a result of coal or other mine accidents or occupationally caused diseases unduly impedes and burdens commerce; and

(g) it is the purpose of this chapter (1) to establish interim mandatory health and safety standards and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to develop and promulgate improved mandatory health or safety standards to protect the health and safety of the Nation's coal or other miners; (2) to require that each operator of a coal or other mine and every miner in such mine comply with such standards; (3) to cooperate with, and provide assistance to, the States in the development and enforcement of effective State coal or other mine health and safety programs; and (4) to improve and expand, in cooperation with the States and the coal or other mining industry, research and development and training programs aimed at preventing coal or other mine accidents and occupationally caused diseases in the industry.

(Pub. L. 91–173, §2, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742; Pub. L. 95–164, title I, §102(a), Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1290; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in par. (g), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–173, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742, known as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Amendments

1977—Pars. (a) to (d), (f). Pub. L. 95–164, §102(a)(1), inserted "or other" after "coal" wherever appearing.

Par. (g). Pub. L. 95–164, §102(a)(1), (2), inserted "or other" after "coal" wherever appearing and substituted "Secretary of Labor" for "Secretary of the Interior".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in par. (g) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–164, title III, §307, Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1322, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided, this Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1977 Amendment note below] shall take effect 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 9, 1977]. The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Interior are authorized to establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the efficient transfer of functions provided under this Act. The amendment to the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 made by section 202 of this Act [amending section 842(e) of this title and repealing subsec. (k) of section 878 of this title] shall be effective on the date of enactment [Nov. 9, 1977]."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 91–173, title V, §509, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 803, provided that: "Except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided in this Act [see Short Title note below], the provisions of titles I and III of this Act [subchapters I and III of this chapter] shall become operative ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969], and the provisions of title II of this Act [subchapter II of this chapter] shall become operative six months after the date of enactment of this Act. The provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act, as amended [section 451 et seq. of this title], are repealed on the operative date of titles I and III of this Act except that such provisions shall continue to apply to any order, notice, decision, or finding issued under that Act prior to such operative date and to any proceedings related to such order, notice, decision or findings. All other provisions of this Act, shall be effective on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969]."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–236, §1, June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 493, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 826 and 963 to 965 of this title, amending sections 813, 818, 820, 825, and 876 of this title and section 671 of Title 29, Labor, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 811 and 820 of this title] may be cited as the 'Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006' or the 'MINER Act'."

Short Title of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–275, §1, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1925, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 902, 921 to 924, 925, 932a, and 936 of this title, repealing sections 904, 924a, and 945 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 902 and 921 of this title] may be cited as the 'Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative Responsibility Act'."

Short Title of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–119, title II, §201(a), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1643, provided that: "This title [amending sections 901, 902, 921 to 923, 932, and 940 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 901 of this title] may be cited as the 'Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981'."

Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–239, §1, Mar. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 95, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 903, 904, 924a, and 942 to 945 of this title, amending sections 901, 902, 921 to 924, 931, 932, 933, 937, 940, and 941 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 901, 932a, and 934a of this title, section 4121 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and section 675 of Title 29, Labor] may be cited as the 'Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977'."

Short Title of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–164, §1, Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1290, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 822 to 825 and 961 of this title and section 557a of Title 29, Labor, amending this section, sections 802 to 804, 811 to 821, 842, 861, 878, 951 to 955, 958, and 959 of this title, and sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, repealing sections 721 to 740 of this title and section 1456a of Title 43, Public Lands, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, section 954 of this title and section 11 of former Title 31, Money and Finance] may be cited as the 'Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977'."

Short Title of 1972 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–303, §1(a), May 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 150, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 925 and 937 to 941 of this title, amending sections 901, 902, 921 to 924, 931, 932, 933, 934, and 936 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 921 to 923 of this title] may be cited as the 'Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 91–173, §1, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 742, as amended by Pub. L. 95–164, title I, §101, Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1290, provided: "That this Act [which was known as the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 prior to the amendment by Pub. L. 95–164 and which enacted this chapter, amended sections 633 and 636 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, repealed sections 451 to 460 and 471 to 483 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under this section and section 636 of Title 15] may be cited as the 'Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977'."

For short title of subchapter IV of this chapter as the "Black Lung Benefits Act", see section 901(b) of this title.

Separability

Pub. L. 91–173, title V, §510, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 803, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title note set out above], or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby."

Requirement Concerning Family Liaisons

Pub. L. 109–236, §7, June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 500, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall establish a policy that—

"(1) requires the temporary assignment of an individual Department of Labor official to be a liaison between the Department and the families of victims of mine tragedies involving multiple deaths;

"(2) requires the Mine Safety and Health Administration to be as responsive as possible to requests from the families of mine accident victims for information relating to mine accidents; and

"(3) requires that in such accidents, that the Mine Safety and Health Administration shall serve as the primary communicator with the operator, miners' families, the press and the public."
30 U.S.C. § 263 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter VII: SODIUM / Section 263: Permits to use or lease of nonmineral lands for camp sites, and other purposes; annual rentals; acreage
Permits to use or lease of nonmineral lands for camp sites, and other purposes; annual rentals; acreage
Status: in_force

In addition to areas of such mineral land which may be included in any such prospecting permits or leases, the Secretary of the Interior, in his discretion, may grant to a permittee or lessee of lands containing sodium deposits, and subject to the payment of an annual rental of not less than 25 cents per acre, the exclusive right to use, during the life of the permit or lease, a tract of unoccupied nonmineral public land, not exceeding forty acres in area, for camp sites, refining works, and other purposes connected with and necessary to the proper development and use of the deposits covered by the permit or lease.

(Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, §25, 41 Stat. 447.)
30 U.S.C. § 1309a (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter VII: ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS / Section 1309a: Subsidence
Subsidence
Status: in_force

(a) Requirements

Underground coal mining operations conducted after October 24, 1992, shall comply with each of the following requirements:

(1) Promptly repair, or compensate for, material damage resulting from subsidence caused to any occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto, or non-commercial building due to underground coal mining operations. Repair of damage shall include rehabilitation, restoration, or replacement of the damaged occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto, or non-commercial building. Compensation shall be provided to the owner of the damaged occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto or non-commercial building and shall be in the full amount of the diminution in value resulting from the subsidence. Compensation may be accomplished by the purchase, prior to mining, of a noncancellable premium-prepaid insurance policy.

(2) Promptly replace any drinking, domestic, or residential water supply from a well or spring in existence prior to the application for a surface coal mining and reclamation permit, which has been affected by contamination, diminution, or interruption resulting from underground coal mining operations.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or interrupt underground coal mining operations.

(b) Regulations

Within one year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary shall, after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, promulgate final regulations to implement subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 95–87, title VII, §720, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, §2504(a)(1), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3104.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Review of Existing Requirements and Report to Congress

Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, §2504(a)(2), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3104, directed Secretary of the Interior to review existing requirements related to underground coal mine subsidence and natural gas and petroleum pipeline safety, submit a report detailing results of review to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of Senate and Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of House of Representatives within 18 months of Oct. 24, 1992, and, where appropriate, to commence a rulemaking to address any deficiencies in existing law determined in the review regarding notification, coordination and mitigation.
30 U.S.C. § 192b (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 192b: Application to contracts
Application to contracts
Status: in_force

The provisions of sections 192a to 192c of this title shall apply to all existing contracts for the purchase of Government royalty oil entered into after July 13, 1946, and prior to September 1, 1949, irrespective of whether a determination of preference status was made in connection with the award of such contracts, but shall not apply to any such contract which subsequent to its award has been transferred, through the acquisition of stock interests or other transactions, to the ownership or control of a refinery ineligible for a preference under section 192 of this title, and the regulations in force thereunder at the time of such transfer.

(Sept. 1, 1949, ch. 529, §2, 63 Stat. 682.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which comprises this chapter.
30 U.S.C. § 541a (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 12A: ENTRY AND LOCATION ON COAL LANDS ON DISCOVERY OF SOURCE MATERIAL / Section 541a: Claims located prior to May 25, 1955; extralateral rights; amended notice of mining location
Claims located prior to May 25, 1955; extralateral rights; amended notice of mining location
Status: in_force

Any mining claim located in a manner prescribed by the mining laws of the United States upon lands of the character described in section 541 of this title, prior to May 25, 1955, if based upon a discovery of valuable source material contained in lignite shall be effective to the same extent as if such lands at the time of location, and at all times thereafter, had not been classified as or known to be valuable for coal subject to disposition under the mineral leasing laws, subject, however, to the provisions of section 541 of this title: Provided, That no extralateral rights shall attach to any mining location validated under this section: And provided further, That the locator or locators of such a mining claim shall, not later than one hundred and eighty days from and after August 11, 1955, post on the claim and file for record in the office where the notice or certificate of location is of record, an amended notice of the mining location stating that such amended notice is filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and for the purpose of obtaining the benefits thereof; and that a copy of said amended notice is, within the said one-hundred-and-eighty-day period, filed in the land office of the Bureau of Land Management for the State in which the mining location is situated, and the mining locator thereafter complies with the requirements of this chapter.

(Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 795, §2, 69 Stat. 679.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Extension of Time for Annual Assessment Work

Act June 29, 1956, ch. 478, 70 Stat. 438, as amended by Pub. L. 85–68, June 29, 1957, 71 Stat. 226, provided for extension of time for period commencing July 1, 1955, to 12 o'clock noon July 1, 1958, during which labor must be performed, or improvements made pursuant to section 28 of this title, or any unpatented mining claim validated under this section and for extension of time for period commencing July 1, 1956, to 12 o'clock noon July 1, 1958, during which labor must be performed, or improvements made pursuant to section 28 of this title, on any other unpatented mining claim subject to this chapter.
30 U.S.C. § 862 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter III: INTERIM MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES / Section 862: Roof support
Roof support
Status: in_force

(a) Roof control plan; contents; review; availability

Each operator shall undertake to carry out on a continuing basis a program to improve the roof control system of each coal mine and the means and measures to accomplish such system. The roof and ribs of all active underground roadways, travelways, and working places shall be supported or otherwise controlled adequately to protect persons from falls of the roof or ribs. A roof control plan and revisions thereof suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each coal mine and approved by the Secretary shall be adopted and set out in printed form within sixty days after the operative date of this subchapter. The plan shall show the type of support and spacing approved by the Secretary. Such plan shall be reviewed periodically, at least every six months by the Secretary, taking into consideration any falls of roof or ribs or inadequacy of support of roof or ribs. No person shall proceed beyond the last permanent support unless adequate temporary support is provided or unless such temporary support is not required under the approved roof control plan and the absence of such support will not pose a hazard to the miners. A copy of the plan shall be furnished the Secretary or his authorized representative and shall be available to the miners and their representatives.

(b) Creation of dangers by roof falls

The method of mining followed in any coal mine shall not expose the miner to unusual dangers from roof falls caused by excessive widths of rooms and entries or faulty pillar recovery methods.

(c) Location and supply of roof support material; safety devices for roof work

The operator, in accordance with the approved plan, shall provide at or near each working face and at such other locations in the coal mine as the Secretary may prescribe an ample supply of suitable materials of proper size with which to secure the roof of all working places in a safe manner. Safety posts, jacks, or other approved devices shall be used to protect the workmen when roof material is being taken down, crossbars are being installed, roof bolt- holes are being drilled, roof bolts are being installed, and in such other circumstances as may be appropriate. Loose roof and overhanging or loose faces and ribs shall be taken down or supported. Except in the case of recovery work, supports knocked out shall be replaced promptly.

(d) Roof bolts

When installation of roof bolts is permitted, such roof bolts shall be tested in accordance with the approved roof control plan.

(e) Recovery of roof bolts

Roof bolts shall not be recovered where complete extractions of pillars are attempted, where adjacent to clay veins, or at the locations of other irregularities, whether natural or otherwise, that induce abnormal hazards. Where roof bolt recovery is permitted, it shall be conducted only in accordance with methods prescribed in the approved roof control plan, and shall be conducted by experienced miners and only where adequate temporary support is provided.

(f) Safety inspections; correction of dangerous conditions

Where miners are exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs the operator shall examine and test the roof, face, and ribs before any work or machine is started, and as frequently thereafter as may be necessary to insure safety. When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately.

(Pub. L. 91–173, title III, §302, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 766.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For the operative date of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (a), see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as an Effective Date note under section 801 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section operative 90 days after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 662 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 18: COAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT / Section 662: Powers and duties of Secretary
Powers and duties of Secretary
Status: in_force

The Secretary shall—

(1) develop through research, new and more efficient methods of mining, preparing, and utilizing coal;

(2) contract for, sponsor, cosponsor, and promote the coordination of, research with recognized interested groups, including but not limited to, coal trade associations, coal research associations, educational institutions, and agencies of States and political subdivisions of States;

(3) establish technical advisory committees composed of recognized experts in various aspects of coal research to assist in the examination and evaluation of research progress and of all research proposals and contracts and to insure the avoidance of duplication of research; and

(4) cooperate to the fullest extent possible with other departments, agencies, and independent establishments of the Federal Government and with State governments, and with all other interested agencies, governmental and nongovernmental.

(Pub. L. 86–599, §2, July 7, 1960, 74 Stat. 336; Pub. L. 109–58, title X, §1009(a)(1)(B), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 934.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–58 struck out "shall establish within the Department of the Interior an Office of Coal Research, and through such Office" after "The Secretary" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Committees

Advisory committees in existence on Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period following Jan. 5, 1973, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. Advisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
30 U.S.C. § 505 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 11: MINING CLAIMS ON LANDS SUBJECT TO MINERAL LEASING LAWS / Section 505: "Mineral leasing laws" defined
"Mineral leasing laws" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter "mineral leasing laws" shall mean the Act of October 20, 1914 (38 Stat. 741); the Act of February 25, 1920 (41 Stat. 437) [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.]; the Act of April 17, 1926 (44 Stat. 301) [30 U.S.C. 271 et seq.]; the Act of February 7, 1927 (44 Stat. 1057) [30 U.S.C. 281 et seq.] and all Acts heretofore or hereafter enacted which are amendatory of or supplementary to any of the foregoing Acts.

(Aug. 12, 1953, ch. 405, §5, 67 Stat. 540.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of October 20, 1914, referred to in text, is act Oct. 20, 1914, ch. 330, 38 Stat. 741, known as the Alaska Coal Lands Act, which was repealed by Pub. L. 86–252, §1, Sept. 9, 1959, 73 Stat. 490. The subject matter of this Act is generally covered by subchapters I to VII (§181 et seq.) of chapter 3A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code prior to repeal, see Tables.

Act of February 25, 1920, referred to in text, is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of this title and Tables.

Act of April 17, 1926, referred to in text, is act Apr. 17, 1926, ch. 158, 44 Stat. 301, which is classified generally to subchapter VIII (§271 et seq.) of chapter 3A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Act of February 7, 1927, referred to in text, is act Feb. 7, 1927, ch. 66, 44 Stat. 1057, which enacted subchapter IX (§281 et seq.) of chapter 3A of this title, amended sections 181 and 193 of this title, and repealed subchapter VII (§141 et seq.) of chapter 3 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
30 U.S.C. § 1273 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 25: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION / Subchapter V: CONTROL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SURFACE COAL MINING / Section 1273: Federal lands
Federal lands
Status: in_force

(a) Promulgation and implementation of Federal lands program

No later than one year after August 3, 1977, the Secretary shall promulgate and implement a Federal lands program which shall be applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation operations taking place pursuant to any Federal law on any Federal lands: Provided, That except as provided in section 1300 of this title the provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to Indian lands. The Federal lands program shall, at a minimum, incorporate all of the requirements of this chapter and shall take into consideration the diverse physical, climatological, and other unique characteristics of the Federal lands in question. Where Federal lands in a State with an approved State program are involved, the Federal lands program shall, at a minimum, include the requirements of the approved State program: Provided, That the Secretary shall retain his duties under sections 201(a), (2)(B) 1 and 201(a)(3) of this title, and shall continue to be responsible for designation of Federal lands as unsuitable for mining in accordance with section 1272(b) of this title.

(b) Incorporation of requirements into any lease, permit, or contract issued by Secretary which may involve surface coal mining and reclamation operations

The requirements of this chapter and the Federal lands program or an approved State program for State regulation of surface coal mining on Federal lands under subsection (c), whichever is applicable, shall be incorporated by reference or otherwise in any Federal mineral lease, permit, or contract issued by the Secretary which may involve surface coal mining and reclamation operations. Incorporation of such requirements shall not, however, limit in any way the authority of the Secretary to subsequently issue new regulations, revise the Federal lands program to deal with changing conditions or changed technology, and to require any surface mining and reclamation operations to conform with the requirements of this chapter and the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter.

(c) State cooperative agreements

Any State with an approved State program may elect to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary to provide for State regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on Federal lands within the State, provided the Secretary determines in writing that such State has the necessary personnel and funding to fully implement such a cooperative agreement in accordance with the provision of this chapter. States with cooperative agreements existing on August 3, 1977, may elect to continue regulation on Federal lands within the State, prior to approval by the Secretary of their State program, or imposition of a Federal program, provided that such existing cooperative agreement is modified to fully comply with the initial regulatory procedures set forth in section 1252 of this title. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to delegate to the States his duty to approve mining plans on Federal lands, to designate certain Federal lands as unsuitable for surface coal mining pursuant to section 1272 of this title, or to regulate other activities taking place on Federal lands.

(d) Development of program to assure no unreasonable denial to any class of coal purchasers

The Secretary shall develop a program to assure that with respect to the granting of permits, leases, or contracts for coal owned by the United States, that no class of purchasers of the mined coal shall be unreasonably denied purchase thereof.

(Pub. L. 95–87, title V, §523, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 510.)

1 So in original. Probably should be "201(a)(2)(B)".
30 U.S.C. § 195 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 195: Enforcement
Enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) Violations

It shall be unlawful for any person:

(1) to organize or participate in any scheme, arrangement, plan, or agreement to circumvent or defeat the provisions of this chapter or its implementing regulations, or

(2) to seek to obtain or to obtain any money or property by means of false statements of material facts or by failing to state material facts concerning:

(A) the value of any lease or portion thereof issued or to be issued under this chapter;

(B) the availability of any land for leasing under this chapter;

(C) the ability of any person to obtain leases under this chapter; or

(D) the provisions of this chapter and its implementing regulations.

(b) Penalty

Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.

(c) Civil actions

Whenever it shall appear that any person is engaged, or is about to engage, in any act which constitutes or will constitute a violation of subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General may institute a civil action in the district court of the United States for the judicial district in which the defendant resides or in which the violation occurred or in which the lease or land involved is located, for a temporary restraining order, injunction, civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation, or other appropriate remedy, including but not limited to, a prohibition from participation in exploration, leasing, or development of any Federal mineral, or any combination of the foregoing.

(d) Corporations

(1) Whenever a corporation or other entity is subject to civil or criminal action under this section, any officer, employee, or agent of such corporation or entity who knowingly authorized, ordered, or carried out the proscribed activity shall be subject to the same action.

(2) Whenever any officer, employee, or agent of a corporation or other entity is subject to civil or criminal action under this section for activity conducted on behalf of the corporation or other entity, the corporation or other entity shall be subject to the same action, unless it is shown that the officer, employee, or agent was acting without the knowledge or consent of the corporation or other entity.

(e) Remedies, fines, and imprisonment

The remedies, penalties, fines, and imprisonment prescribed in this section shall be concurrent and cumulative and the exercise of one shall not preclude the exercise of the others. Further, the remedies, penalties, fines, and imprisonment prescribed in this section shall be in addition to any other remedies, penalties, fines, and imprisonment afforded by any other law or regulation.

(f) State civil actions

(1) A State may commence a civil action under subsection (c) of this section against any person conducting activity within the State in violation of this section. Civil actions brought by a State shall only be brought in the United States district court for the judicial district in which the defendant resides or in which the violation occurred or in which the lease or land involved is located. The district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to order appropriate remedies and penalties as described in subsection (c) of this section.

(2) A State shall notify the Attorney General of the United States of any civil action filed by the State under this subsection within 30 days of filing of the action. The Attorney General of the United States shall notify a State of any civil action arising from activity conducted within that State filed by the Attorney General under this subsection within 30 days of filing of the action.

(3) Any civil penalties recovered by a State under this subsection shall be retained by the State and may be expended in such manner and for such purposes as the State deems appropriate. If a civil action is jointly brought by the Attorney General and a State, by more than one State or by the Attorney General and more than one State, any civil penalties recovered as a result of the joint action shall be shared by the parties bringing the action in the manner determined by the court rendering judgment in such action.

(4) If a State has commenced a civil action against a person conducting activity within the State in violation of this section, the Attorney General may join in such action but may not institute a separate action arising from the same activity under this section. If the Attorney General has commenced a civil action against a person conducting activity within a State in violation of this section, that State may join in such action but may not institute a separate action arising from the same activity under this section.

(5) Nothing in this section shall deprive a State of jurisdiction to enforce its own civil and criminal laws against any person who may also be subject to civil and criminal action under this section.

(Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, §41, as added Pub. L. 100–203, title V, §5108, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–260.)
30 U.S.C. § 25 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 2: MINERAL LANDS AND REGULATIONS IN GENERAL / Section 25: Affidavit of citizenship
Affidavit of citizenship
Status: in_force

Applicants for mineral patents, if residing beyond the limits of the district wherein the claim is situated, may make any oath or affidavit required for proof of citizenship before the clerk of any court of record or before any notary public of any State or Territory.

(Apr. 26, 1882, ch. 106, §2, 22 Stat. 49.)
30 U.S.C. § 1018 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 23: GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES / Section 1018: Data from Federal agencies
Data from Federal agencies
Status: in_force

Upon request of the Secretary, other Federal departments and agencies shall furnish him with any relevant data then in their possession or knowledge concerning or having bearing upon fair and adequate charges to be made for geothermal steam produced or to be produced for conversion to electric power or other purposes. Data given to any department or agency as confidential under law shall not be furnished in any fashion which identifies or tends to identify the business entity whose activities are the subject of such data or the person or persons who furnished such information.

(Pub. L. 91–581, §19, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1572; Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §236(18), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 673.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–58 inserted section catchline.
30 U.S.C. § 271 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter VIII: SULPHUR / Section 271: Prospecting permits; lands included; acreage
Prospecting permits; lands included; acreage
Status: in_force

The Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized and directed, under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe, to grant to any qualified applicant a prospecting permit which shall give the exclusive right to prospect for sulphur in lands belonging to the United States located in the States of Louisiana and New Mexico for a period of not exceeding two years: Provided, That the area to be included in such a permit shall be not exceeding six hundred and forty acres of land in reasonably compact form.

(Apr. 17, 1926, ch. 158, §1, 44 Stat. 301; July 16, 1932, ch. 498, 47 Stat. 701.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1932—Act July 16, 1932, substituted "States of Louisiana and New Mexico" for "State of Louisiana".
30 U.S.C. § 861 (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 22: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH / Subchapter III: INTERIM MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES / Section 861: Mandatory safety standards for underground mines
Mandatory safety standards for underground mines
Status: in_force

(a) Coverage; enforcement; review

The provisions of sections 862 through 878 of this title shall be interim mandatory safety standards applicable to all underground coal mines until superseded in whole or in part by improved mandatory safety standards promulgated by the Secretary under the provisions of section 811 of this title, and shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as any mandatory safety standard promulgated under section 811 of this title. Any orders issued in the enforcement of the interim standards set forth in this subchapter shall be subject to review as provided in subchapter I of this chapter.

(b) Purpose; initiation of studies and research

The purpose of this subchapter is to provide for the immediate application of mandatory safety standards developed on the basis of experience and advances in technology and to prevent newly created hazards resulting from new technology in coal mining. The Secretary of the Interior in coordination with the Secretary shall immediately initiate studies, investigations, and research to further upgrade such standards and to develop and promulgate new and improved standards promptly that will provide increased protection to the miners, particularly in connection with hazards from trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, and signal wires, the splicing and use of trailing cables, and in connection with improvements in vulcanizing of electric conductors, improvement in roof control measures, methane drainage in advance of mining, improved methods of measuring methane and other explosive gases and oxygen concentrations, and the use of improved underground equipment and other sources of power for such equipment.

(Pub. L. 91–173, title III, §301, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 765; Pub. L. 95–164, title II, §203, Nov. 9, 1977, 91 Stat. 1317.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1977—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–164, §203(a), substituted "The Secretary of the Interior in coordination with the Secretary shall immediately initiate studies" for "The Secretary shall immediately initiate studies".

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 95–164, §203(b), struck out subsec. (c) which related to the modification of standards, and subsec. (d) which related to the applicability of section 553 of title 5 in cases where the provisions of sections 862 to 878 of this title had provided that certain actions, conditions, or requirements be carried out as prescribed by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–164 effective 120 days after Nov. 9, 1977, except as otherwise provided, see section 307 of Pub. L. 95–164, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date

Section operative 90 days after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.
30 U.S.C. § 226d (2024) — Title 30: MINERAL LANDS AND MINING / Chapter 3A: LEASES AND PROSPECTING PERMITS / Subchapter IV: OIL AND GAS / Section 226d: Omitted
Omitted
Status: omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Sections were completely amended by Pub. L. 86–705, §2, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 781, and included in section 17 of Mineral Leasing Act of Feb. 25, 1920, classified to section 226 of this title.

Section 226d, act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, §17a, as added Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 916, §4, 60 Stat. 952, provided for the exchange of leases and fixed royalty rates for new leases.

Section 226e, act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, §17b, as added Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 916, §5, 60 Stat. 952; amended July 29, 1954, ch. 644, §1(4), (5), 68 Stat. 585, permitted establishment of cooperative or unit plans, setting up procedures for regulating production, approving contracts and preventing waste.