ORS § 523.330 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.330
523.330 Excess assessment
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of the improvement project, if it is found that the assessment previously levied upon any property is more than sufficient to pay the costs of the improvements, the district board shall ascertain and declare the amount of the excess by ordinance. When declared, the excess amounts shall be entered on the lien docket as a credit upon the appropriate assessment. If any assessment has been paid, the person who paid it, or the legal representative of the person, shall be entitled to the repayment of the rebate credit, or the portion thereof which exceeds the amount unpaid on the original assessment. [1975 c.782 §30]

Source: Section 523.330 — Excess assessment; credit; rebate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.010 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.010
517.010 Location of mining claims upon veins or lodes
Status: in_force

(1) Any person, a citizen of the United States, or one who has declared an intention to become such, who discovers a vein or lode of mineral-bearing rock in place upon the unappropriated public domain of the United States within this state, may locate a claim upon such vein or lode by posting thereon a notice of such discovery and location. The notice shall contain:

(a) The name of the lode or claim.

(b) The names of the locators.

(c) The date of the location.

(d) The number of linear feet claimed along the vein or lode each way from the point of discovery, with the width on each side of the lode or vein.

(e) The general course or strike of the vein or lode as nearly as may be, with reference to some natural object or permanent monument in the vicinity, and by defining the boundaries upon the surface of each claim so that the same may be readily traced.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Such boundaries shall be marked within 30 days after posting of such notice by four substantial posts, projecting not less than three feet above the surface of the ground, and made of wood measuring not less than one and one-half inch by one and one-half inch, or by substantial mounds of stone, or earth and stone, at least two feet in height, one such post or mound of rock at each corner of such claims.

(b) During the course of normal maintenance of the claim location posts or monuments, any post that requires replacement and is not constructed of naturally occurring materials shall be replaced by posts that are made of wood measuring not less than one and one-half inch by one and one-half inch on a side and that project not less than three feet above the surface of the ground.

(3) At such time as any lode mining claim is declared invalid by the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management or is otherwise dropped by the last claim holder of record without transfer through lease or sale to another person, all claim location posts not made of natural materials shall be removed from the public domain of the United States and at the same time any post made of natural materials shall be removed or dismantled. [Amended by 1991 c.215 §1]

Source: Section 517.010 — Location of mining claims upon veins or lodes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.320 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.320
517.320 Counteraffidavits of delinquent owner
Status: in_force

If prior to the issuing of the certificate there has been filed with the county clerk an affidavit by the delinquent co-owner that the payment has been made, the clerk shall not issue a certificate, but the parties shall be left to establish such fact by suit to quiet the title to the premises. If in the suit it appears either that the assessment work was not performed by the co-owners claiming to have performed it, or that the delinquent co-owner has performed or paid the delinquent co-owner’s proportion of the assessment work, a judgment shall be entered in the suit to that effect; but if it is established that the assessment has been performed by or has been caused to be performed by the co-owners so claiming and that the delinquent co-owner has not performed or paid the delinquent co-owner’s proportion, a judgment shall be entered providing that the co-owners who performed the assessment work to be the owners of all the interest of the delinquent co-owner in the premises. The judgment shall be entitled to record in the Mineral and Mining Record kept by the county clerk in the county, and shall be indexed in the Mineral and Mining Record for the county. [Amended by 1999 c.654 §36; 2003 c.576 §467]

Source: Section 517.320 — Counteraffidavits of delinquent owner; suit to quiet title; judgment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.870 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.870
517.870 Adjustment of bond or security of operator upon satisfactory completion of reclamation work
Status: in_force

Upon request of the operator, and when in the judgment of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries the reclamation has been completed in accordance with the reclamation plan, the operator shall be notified that the work has been found to be satisfactorily performed and is acceptable and the bond or security of the operator shall be adjusted accordingly. [1971 c.719 §11; 1999 c.492 §7; 2007 c.318 §20]

Source: Section 517.870 — Adjustment of bond or security of operator upon satisfactory completion of reclamation work , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.015 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.015
522.015 Policy
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislative Assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(a) The people of the State of Oregon have a direct and primary interest in the development of geothermal resources situated in this state.

(b) The State of Oregon, through the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, shall control the drilling, redrilling and deepening of wells for the discovery and production of geothermal resources so that such wells will be constructed, operated, maintained, plugged and decommissioned in the manner necessary to safeguard the life, health, property and welfare of the people of this state, to safeguard the air, water and other natural resources of this state, and to encourage the maximum economic recovery of geothermal resources therefrom.

(2) It is the policy of the Legislative Assembly that this chapter be administered:

(a) To prevent damage to and waste of geothermal resources;

(b) To prevent interference with or damage to waters used or to be used for beneficial purposes that may result from improper drilling, operation, maintenance, plugging or decommissioning of geothermal or prospect wells;

(c) To supervise the drilling, operation, maintenance, plugging and decommissioning of geothermal or prospect wells in a manner permitting the operator to utilize all methods known to the industry for the purpose of increasing the ultimate economic recovery of geothermal resources, that are suitable, and consistent with protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state; and

(d) To provide for the development, management and production of geothermal resources in a manner that minimizes state involvement, enhances resource recovery, prevents waste, maximizes economic development and protects correlative rights of the resource owners. [Formerly 522.050; 1981 c.588 §4; 2009 c.794 §2]

Source: Section 522.015 — Policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.740 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.740
517.740 Rules
Status: in_force

In consultation with the Environmental Quality Commission, Water Resources Commission and the State Land Board, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries governing board shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.755 (Mining operations affecting more than five acres) , 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) , 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) , 517.910 (Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989) and 517.920 (Permit application fees under ORS 517.910 to 517.989) . [Formerly 517.976]

Source: Section 517.740 — Rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.862 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.862
517.862 Revocation, termination or refusal to renew operating permit
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may not revoke, terminate or refuse to renew an operating permit if marketable reserves exist at the permitted site and if there is a significant potential for continued mining opportunities given reasonably foreseeable economic conditions.

(2) The department may revoke, terminate or refuse to renew an operating permit if the operator:

(a) Requests termination, provided that all reclamation requirements in the operating permit and reclamation plan have been satisfied;

(b) Fails to pay a fee as required by ORS 517.800 (Fees) within 60 days of the due date;

(c) Fails to provide or maintain a bond or security as required by ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) ;

(d) Fails to comply with an order issued under ORS 517.860 (Effect of failure to comply with operating permit or reclamation plan) ; or

(e) Fails to comply with a suspension order issued under ORS 517.880 (Order for suspension of surface mining operation operating without required permit) .

(3) If an operating permit is revoked, terminated or not renewed, the operator may not perform any actions at the permitted site, except that the operator may, after receiving written approval from the department:

(a) Perform actions at the permitted site that are necessary to comply with reclamation requirements in the operating permit or reclamation plan, including but not limited to removal of mining-related stockpiles;

(b) Excavate materials at the permitted site that are necessary for reclamation; and

(c) Remove any excavated materials from buffers, setbacks or other areas not approved for disturbance and restore the areas to the approximate pre-mining contours with materials approved by the department.

(4) The department, in lieu of or in addition to revoking, terminating or refusing to renew an operating permit for the reasons specified in subsection (2) of this section, may recover against the bond or security filed pursuant to ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) and reclaim the area affected by surface mining. [2007 c.318 §2]

Source: Section 517.862 — Revocation, termination or refusal to renew operating permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.165 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.165
520.165 Aiding or abetting in violation of chapter prohibited
Status: in_force

A person may not knowingly aid or abet any other person in the violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted or order issued under this chapter. [1953 c.667 §17; 2007 c.672 §16]

Source: Section 520.165 — Aiding or abetting in violation of chapter prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.350 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.350
520.350 Property rights in underground reservoirs for natural gas storage
Status: in_force

(1) All natural gas in an underground reservoir utilized for underground storage, whether acquired by eminent domain or otherwise, shall at all times be the property of the natural gas company utilizing said underground storage, its heirs, successors, or assigns. In no event shall such gas be subject to the rights of the owner of the surface of the land under which said underground reservoir lies or of the owner of any mineral interest therein or of any person other than said natural gas company, its heirs, successors and assigns to release, produce, take, reduce to possessions, or otherwise interfere with or exercise any control thereof.

(2) Any right of condemnation granted for the purposes of ORS 520.340 (Legislative findings) , 772.610 (Definitions for ORS 772.610 to 772.625) to 772.625 (Resolution showing proposed route and termini of pipeline) and this section shall be without prejudice to the rights of the owner of the condemned lands or of the rights and interest therein to drill or bore through the underground reservoir in such a manner as shall protect the underground reservoir against pollution and against the escape of natural gas in a manner which complies with the orders and rules of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Such condemnation shall be without prejudice to the owners of such lands or other rights or interests therein as to all other uses thereof. The additional costs of complying with rules or orders to protect the underground shall be paid by the condemnor. [1977 c.296 §6]

Source: Section 520.350 — Property rights in underground reservoirs for natural gas storage , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.300 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.300
520.300 Amending unitization order
Status: in_force

An order providing for unit operations may be amended by an order made by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as an original order providing for unit operations. However:

(1) If the amendment affects only the rights and interests of the owners, the approval of the amendment by the royalty owners is not required.

(2) The order of amendment may not change the percentage for the allocation of:

(a) Oil and gas as established for any separately owned tract by the original order, except with the consent of all persons owning oil and gas rights in the tract; or

(b) Cost as established for any separately owned tract by the original order, except with the consent of all owners in the tract. [1961 c.671 §6; 2007 c.672 §20]

Source: Section 520.300 — Amending unitization order , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.901 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.901
517.901 Confidentiality of production records, mineral assessments and trade secrets
Status: in_force

Any production records, mineral assessments and trade secrets submitted by a mine operator or landowner to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall be confidential. [1999 c.492 §10 (enacted in lieu of 517.900)]

Source: Section 517.901 — Confidentiality of production records, mineral assessments and trade secrets , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.080 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.080
517.080 Mining claims as realty
Status: in_force

All mining claims, whether quartz or placer, are real estate. The owner of the possessory right thereto has a legal estate therein within the meaning of ORS 105.005 (Right of action) .

Source: Section 517.080 — Mining claims as realty , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.831 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.831
517.831 Modification of operating permit or reclamation plan
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may not modify an operating permit or reclamation plan without the consent of the operator.

(2) The department may modify an operating permit or reclamation plan without the consent of the operator if, because of changed conditions at the permitted site or because of information otherwise not available to the department at the time of permit issuance or reclamation plan establishment, the department finds, by substantial evidence, that a modification is justified due to the potential for:

(a) Substantial harm to off-site property;

(b) Harm to threatened or endangered species; or

(c) Channel changes or unstable pit walls.

(3) Modification of an operating permit or reclamation plan without the consent of the operator must be limited to the areas or matters affected by the changed conditions or new information.

(4) If the department modifies an operating permit or reclamation plan without the consent of the operator, the department must provide the operator with an opportunity for alternative dispute resolution in the manner provided in ORS 183.502 (Authority of agencies to use alternative means of dispute resolution) . [2007 c.318 §4]

Source: Section 517.831 — Modification of operating permit or reclamation plan; opportunity for alternative dispute resolution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 516.120 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 516 / Section 516.120
516.120 State Geologist
Status: in_force

(1) The position of State Geologist within the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries is created. In consultation with the Governor, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall appoint the State Geologist.

(2) The State Geologist shall be qualified to perform as well as to direct the technical and executive work of the department as determined by the board and shall be a geologist, engineer or other technical specialist with a broad background of practical experience related to programs of the department. [Amended by 1963 c.192 §1; 1983 c.740 §205; 1993 c.260 §8]

Source: Section 516.120 — State Geologist; appointment; qualifications , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors516.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.880 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.880
517.880 Order for suspension of surface mining operation operating without required permit
Status: in_force

(1) When the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries finds that an operator is conducting a surface mining operation for which an operating permit is required by ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) or by rules adopted by the department, but has not been issued by the department, the department may issue an order to the operator to suspend the operation until an operating permit has been issued by the department for the surface mining operation or until the department is assured that the operator will comply with the requirement to obtain a permit.

(2) The department may issue an order to an operator to suspend operations if the operator has not complied with or is not complying with the operating permit, reclamation plan, this chapter or rules of the department. Failure to comply includes, but is not limited to, disturbing land within the permit boundary that has not been approved by the department for excavation, placement of debris or removal of vegetation.

(3) If the operator fails or refuses to comply with a suspension order, the Attorney General, at the request of the department, shall initiate any necessary legal proceeding to enjoin the surface mining operation and to provide for completion of the reclamation of the lands affected by the operation, including the restoration of buffers, setbacks or other areas not approved for disturbance. [1971 c.719 §12; 1985 c.292 §12; 1997 c.183 §3; 2007 c.318 §12]

Source: Section 517.880 — Order for suspension of surface mining operation operating without required permit; enjoining operation upon failure of operator to comply; completion of reclamation by department , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.310 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.310
520.310 Unitization of area including area previously unitized
Status: in_force

(1) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries by order may provide for the unit operation of a pool or pools or parts thereof that embrace a unit area established by a previous order of the board. The order, in providing for the allocation of unit production, shall first treat as a single tract the unit area previously established, and the portion of the unit production so allocated thereto shall then be allocated among the separately owned tracts included in the previously established unit area in the same proportions as those specified in the previous order.

(2) An order may provide for unit operations on less than the whole of a pool where the unit area is of such size and shape as may reasonably be required for that purpose, and the conduct thereof will have no adverse effect upon other portions of the pool. [1961 c.671 §§7,8; 2007 c.672 §21]

Source: Section 520.310 — Unitization of area including area previously unitized; partial unitization of pool , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.120 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.120
517.120 Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) to 517.133 (Interfering with a mining operation) :

(1) “Mining” means the removal of gold, silver or other precious minerals from aggregate or a vein of ore.

(2) “Mining claim” means a portion of the public lands claimed for the valuable minerals occurring in those lands and for which the mineral rights are obtained under federal law or a right that is recognized by the United States Bureau of Land Management and given an identification number.

(3) “Prospecting” means to search or explore, using motorized or nonmotorized methods, for samples of gold, silver or other precious minerals from among small quantities of aggregate or ore.

(4) “Recreational mining” means mining in a manner that is consistent with a hobby or casual use, including use on public lands set aside or withdrawn from mineral entry for the purpose of recreational mining, or using pans, sluices, rocker boxes, other nonmotorized equipment and dredges with motors of 16 horsepower or less and a suction nozzle of four inches or less in diameter.

(5) “Small scale mining” means mining on a valid federal mining claim operating under a notice of intent or plan of operations while using whatever equipment is necessary, as approved by the notice of intent or plan of operations, to locate, remove and improve the claim. [1999 c.354 §1]

Note: 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) to 517.135 (Exemption from crimes of mineral trespass and interfering with a mining operation) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 517 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 517.120 — Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.195 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.195
522.195 Monthly production statement
Status: in_force

Except as excluded by rule adopted by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, the operator of any completed geothermal well shall file with the department a monthly statement of the geothermal resources production from such well during the preceding calendar month. [1975 c.552 §14]

Source: Section 522.195 — Monthly production statement; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.133 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.133
517.133 Interfering with a mining operation
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “lawful mining operation” means any small scale mining operation that is in full compliance with state and federal laws.

(2) A person commits the crime of interfering with a mining operation if the person intentionally:

(a) Interferes with a lawful mining operation; or

(b) Stops, or causes to be stopped, a lawful mining operation.

(3) Interfering with a mining operation is a Class C misdemeanor. [1999 c.354 §6]

Note: See note under 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) .

Source: Section 517.133 — Interfering with a mining operation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.045 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.045
522.045 Decommissioned well
Status: in_force

Any well drilled under authority of this chapter from which usable geothermal resources cannot be derived, or the owner or operator has no intention of deriving usable geothermal resources, and that is not expected to provide information useful to the development of geothermal resources shall be plugged and decommissioned as provided in this chapter or, upon the operator’s written application to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and with the concurrence and approval of the Water Resources Director, jurisdiction over the well may be transferred to the Water Resources Director and, in such case, the well shall no longer be subject to the provisions of this chapter but shall be subject to any applicable laws and rules relating to wells drilled for appropriation and use of ground waters. If an application is made to transfer jurisdiction, a copy of all logs, records, histories and descriptions shall be provided to the Water Resources Director by the applicant. [1975 c.552 §4e; 2009 c.794 §5]

Source: Section 522.045 — Decommissioned well; jurisdiction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.145 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.145
520.145 Judicial review of board or department actions
Status: in_force

Any person adversely affected by any rule adopted by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under this chapter or any order issued by the board or the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under this chapter may obtain judicial review thereof pursuant to ORS chapter 183. [1953 c.667 §15; 1961 c.671 §20; 1979 c.562 §15; 1981 c.146 §3; 2007 c.672 §14]

Source: Section 520.145 — Judicial review of board or department actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.025 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.025
522.025 Application
Status: in_force

(1) The provisions of this chapter relating to the location and drilling of any well for the production of geothermal resources do not apply to any wells producing geothermal resources on July 1, 1975, or wells, other than prospect wells, where:

(a) The geothermal fluids produced are of less than 250 degrees Fahrenheit bottom hole temperature; or

(b) Such fluids have been appropriated pursuant to ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties) .

(2) The provisions of this chapter relating to regulation of production of geothermal resources from a geothermal reservoir apply only to wells with a bottom hole temperature of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

(3) If the bottom hole temperature of a well that was initially at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit falls below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the State Geologist and the Water Resources Director, after consulting with the well owner, shall determine the agency with regulatory responsibility for that specific well. This determination shall be documented in writing and shall supersede a determination made under subsection (1) or (2) of this section. This chapter does not limit the authority of the Water Resources Department to regulate the appropriation of water pursuant to ORS 537.505 (Short title) to 537.795 (ORS 537.505 to 537.795 supplementary) and 537.992 (Civil penalties) . [1975 c.552 §4; 1981 c.589 §1; 2009 c.794 §4]

Source: Section 522.025 — Application , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.350 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.350
523.350 Restriction on rendering assessment invalid
Status: in_force

No improvement assessment shall be rendered invalid by reason of a failure of the improvement report to contain all of the information required by ORS 523.210 (Special assessment for improvements) , or by reason of a failure to have all of the information required to be in the improvement resolution, the assessment ordinance, the lien docket or notices required to be published and mailed, nor by the failure to list the name of, or mail notice to, the owner of any property as required by ORS 523.210 (Special assessment for improvements) to 523.380 (Foreclosure of assessment lien) , or by reason of any other error, mistake, delay, omission, irregularity or other act, jurisdiction or otherwise, in any of the proceedings or steps specified, unless it appears that the assessment is unfair or unjust in its effect upon the person complaining. The district board may remedy and correct all such matters by suitable action and proceedings. [1975 c.782 §32]

Source: Section 523.350 — Restriction on rendering assessment invalid; correction by board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.125 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.125
520.125 Authority of board to summon witnesses and require production of evidence
Status: in_force

(1) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may summon witnesses, administer oaths and require the production of records, books and documents for examination at any hearing or investigation conducted before the board.

(2) In case of failure or refusal on the part of any person to comply with the subpoena issued by the board or in the case of the refusal of any witness to testify as to any matter regarding which the witness may lawfully be interrogated it shall be the duty of the circuit court of any county or any judge thereof, upon application of the board, to issue an order to show cause why such person should not be held for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein.

(3) The board may, in any matter before the board, cause the depositions of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil suits in the circuit courts of this state. [1953 c.667 §13; 2005 c.22 §374; 2007 c.672 §13]

Source: Section 520.125 — Authority of board to summon witnesses and require production of evidence , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.630 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.630
523.630 Meetings
Status: in_force

(1) The board of commissioners shall hold meetings at such time and place within the district as it may determine. The board shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month on a day to be fixed by it, and may hold special meetings under such rules as it may make.

(2) The board shall, at the time of its organization, choose from the commissioners a president, a secretary and a treasurer, who shall hold their offices until the first regular meeting in January, or until their successors are elected and qualified. The officers shall have, respectively, the powers and shall perform the duties usual in such cases. A majority shall constitute a quorum to do business and, in the absence of the president, any other member may preside at a meeting.

(3) The board of commissioners may employ engineers, superintendents, mechanics, clerks or other persons as it may find requisite, necessary or convenient in carrying on any work of the district and at a rate of remuneration as it may consider just.

(4) The board may provide life insurance and retirement or pension plans for employees of a district, if the insurer issuing the policy is licensed to do business in the State of Oregon. [1975 c.782 §39]

Source: Section 523.630 — Meetings; officers; quorum; employees; employee benefits , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 516.030 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 516 / Section 516.030
516.030 Duties of department
Status: in_force

The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall:

(1) Initiate and conduct studies and surveys of the geological and mineral resources of the state and their commercial utility.

(2) Conduct as a continuing project a geological survey of Oregon, including quadrangle geologic mapping, either as a department undertaking or jointly with federal or other agencies.

(3) Initiate, carry out or administer studies and programs that will, in cooperation with universities, federal, state and local government agencies, reduce the loss of life and property by understanding and mitigating geologic hazards. These studies and programs may include but need not be limited to:

(a) Statewide hazard assessment, including identification and mapping of geologic hazards, estimation of their potential consequences and likelihood of occurrence and monitoring and assessment of potentially hazardous geologic activity;

(b) Studies of paleoseismicity including but not limited to providing evidence of whether prehistoric subduction zone and crustal earthquakes have occurred in Oregon;

(c) Operation of a state seismic network in cooperation with universities or federal agencies or both through the strategic placement of instrumentation to monitor earthquake activity as it occurs; and

(d) Operation of a state geodetic network through the monitoring and periodic survey of markers in order to detect modern deformation of the earth’s crust and the subsequent buildup of stress.

(4) Consider and study kindred scientific and economic questions in the field of geology and mining that are deemed of value to the people of Oregon.

(5) Cooperate with federal or other agencies for the performance of work in Oregon deemed of value to the state and of advantage to its people, under rules, terms and conditions to be arranged between the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and such agencies. But in no case shall the cost to the department be in excess of the amount appropriated therefor, and the results of any joint undertakings shall be made available without restrictions to this department.

(6) Serve as a bureau of information and advisory services concerning geologic resources and hazards, including:

(a) Maintaining a library, a public education program and a geologic database;

(b) Maintaining a website that identifies the seismic risk category, as determined under an assessment process approved by the department, for every public kindergarten through grade 12 school and that is updated when the department makes a new assessment or becomes aware of information that could change the conclusions of a previous assessment;

(c) Providing a review of functions;

(d) Providing expert advice to federal, state and local government agencies;

(e) Operating as a clearinghouse for post-hazard event earth science investigations; and

(f) Providing technical assistance to local governments on aggregate mining and reclamation during preparation and amendment of comprehensive plans and land use regulations.

(7) Serve as a bureau of information concerning Oregon mineral resources, mineral industries and geology, conduct a mineral survey of the state, and catalog each and every mineral occurrence and deposit, metallic and nonmetallic, together with its location, production, method of working, name of owner or agent, and other detailed information capable of being tabulated and published in composite form for the use, guidance and benefit of the mineral industry of the state and of the people in general and deemed necessary in compiling mineral statistics of the state.

(8) Collect a library of literature describing the geology and mineral deposits, metallic and nonmetallic, of Oregon.

(9) Make qualitative examinations of rocks, mineral samples and specimens.

(10) Study minerals and ores, additional uses for the state’s minerals, and explore the possibilities for using improved treatment, processes, mining methods and reclamation techniques for regulated mines and abandoned mined lands.

(11) Establish in the department or in cooperation with universities and other organizations a repository for drill cores and samples considered by the department to be of long term use in developing information. [Amended by 1989 c.954 §2; 1991 c.243 §3; 1993 c.260 §2; 2001 c.104 §225; 2012 c.61 §1]

Source: Section 516.030 — Duties of department , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors516.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.380 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.380
523.380 Foreclosure of assessment lien
Status: in_force

(1) In case the whole or any portion of the cost of an improvement is assessed against the property directly benefited and the owner of the property fails to pay the amount of the lien, or any portion thereof, or the interest thereon, when they become due, the board may proceed to foreclose the lien in any manner provided by law for the collection of liens by municipalities and may provide by ordinance a general procedure for the collection of liens in any manner not inconsistent with law.

(2) The provisions of ORS 223.405 (Definitions for ORS 223.405 to 223.485) to 223.485 (When reassessment authority inapplicable) relating to reassessment shall be available to districts where applicable. [1975 c.782 §35]

Source: Section 523.380 — Foreclosure of assessment lien , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.305 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.305
522.305 Rules
Status: in_force

(1) In accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. This authority includes, but is not limited to, rules relating to:

(a) Establishing procedures for the issuance, modification, transfer, denial, suspension and revocation of permits;

(b) Establishing procedures for enforcing permit conditions, for enforcing the requirements of this chapter and for enforcing rules adopted to implement the provisions of this chapter; and

(c) Establishing civil penalties for violations of this chapter, for violations of rules adopted to implement the provisions of this chapter and for violations of permits and orders issued pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Any final determination made by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries in carrying out the provisions of this chapter or in rules adopted thereunder may be reviewed in the manner provided by the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183. [1975 c.552 §22; 2009 c.794 §25]

Source: Section 522.305 — Rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.865 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.865
517.865 Effect of failure to perform reclamation and insufficient bond
Status: in_force

(1) If an operator fails to faithfully perform the reclamation required by the reclamation plan and if the bond or security required by ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) is not sufficient to compensate the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries for all reasonably necessary costs and expenses incurred by it in reclaiming the surface-mined land, the amount due shall be a lien in favor of the department upon all property, whether real or personal, belonging to the operator. However, for any operator that is first issued a permit after June 30, 1989, the lien shall not exceed $2,500 for each site plus $1,500 per acre.

(2) The lien shall attach upon the filing of a notice of claim of lien with the county clerk of the county in which the property is located. The notice of lien claim shall contain a true statement of the demand, the insufficiency of the bond or security to compensate the department and the failure of the operator to perform the reclamation required.

(3) The lien created by this section is prior to all other liens and encumbrances, except that the lien shall have equal priority with tax liens.

(4) The lien created by this section may be foreclosed by a suit in the circuit court in the manner provided by law for the foreclosure of other liens on real or personal property. [1975 c.724 §8; 1983 c.497 §3; 1985 c.291 §4; 1987 c.361 §7; 1999 c.492 §6; 2007 c.318 §19]

Source: Section 517.865 — Effect of failure to perform reclamation and insufficient bond; lien; notice; priority; foreclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.042 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.042
517.042 “Legal subdivision” defined for ORS 517.042 to 517.052
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 517.042 (“Legal subdivision” defined for ORS 517.042 to 517.052) to 517.052 (Recording copy of location notice) , unless the context requires otherwise, “legal subdivision” means a subdivision of a state survey or of a United States survey which has been extended over the geographic area to be described. [1961 c.525 §1]

Source: Section 517.042 — “Legal subdivision” defined for ORS 517.042 to 517.052 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.505 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.505
522.505 Unauthorized operation in unit area prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) The operation of a geothermal well in a unit area by anyone other than by a person or state or local governing body, special district or agency acting under the unit’s authority shall be unlawful. That operation is prohibited from the effective date of the board rule or order creating the unit and prescribing the unitization plan or the unit agreement, except in the manner and to the extent provided in the unitization plan or agreement.

(2) The provisions of ORS 273.775 (Definitions for ORS 273.775 to 273.790) , 308A.050 (Legislative intent) to 308A.128 (Certain district assessments inapplicable to exclusive farm use zone farmland) , 522.005 (Definitions) , 522.015 (Policy) , 522.405 (Unitization) to 522.545 (Rulemaking authority) , 522.815 (Rules by board) and 522.990 (Penalties) shall not affect the ability of a ground water user to exercise a water right that existed before the initiation of a unit agreement. [1981 c.588 §18; 1999 c.314 §76]

Source: Section 522.505 — Unauthorized operation in unit area prohibited; exemption , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.040 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.040
523.040 Powers of district
Status: in_force

(1) A district formed under this chapter shall have the power to make contracts, hold and receive and dispose of real and personal property within and without its described boundaries and do all other acts and things which may be requisite, necessary or convenient in carrying out the objects of the district or exercising the powers conferred upon it by this chapter, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in all actions and suits or other proceedings brought by or against it.

(2) In an emergency or in order to meet peak demand a district may supply its inhabitants with heat derived from an energy source other than from geothermal resources for purposes of supplementing the geothermal heat supplied by the district.

(3) In addition to any other power of a district, it may apply and qualify for and receive any private or federal grants, loans or other funds available for carrying out the objects of the district. [1975 c.782 §3]

Source: Section 523.040 — Powers of district; emergency power; applying for financing gifts and grants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.120 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.120
523.120 Deposit or other security for use of heat
Status: in_force

Any district may require a reasonable cash deposit or an irrevocable letter of credit to insure payment for the use or rent of geothermal heat to be furnished by the district. [1975 c.782 §12; 1991 c.331 §75]

Source: Section 523.120 — Deposit or other security for use of heat , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.220 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.220
523.220 Action on special assessment report by board
Status: in_force

After the report has been filed with the secretary, the district board may by motion approve the report, modify the report and approve it as modified, require additional or different information for the improvement, or it may abandon the improvement. [1975 c.782 §20]

Source: Section 523.220 — Action on special assessment report by board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.220 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.220
520.220 Integrating interests or tracts within spacing unit
Status: in_force

(1) When two or more separately owned tracts are embraced within a spacing unit or when there are separately owned interests in all or a part of such spacing unit, then the interested persons may integrate their tracts or interests for the development and operation of the spacing unit.

(2) In the absence of voluntary integration, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, upon the application of any interested person, shall make an order integrating all tracts or interests in the spacing unit for the development and operation thereof and for the sharing of production therefrom. The board, as a part of the order establishing one or more spacing units, may prescribe the terms and conditions upon which the royalty interests in the units shall, in the absence of voluntary agreement, be deemed to be integrated without the necessity of a subsequent order integrating royalty interests. Each such integration order shall be upon terms and conditions that are just and reasonable. [Formerly 520.075]

Source: Section 520.220 — Integrating interests or tracts within spacing unit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.982 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.982
517.982 Final permits
Status: in_force

(1) Based on information received at the consolidated public hearing, from persons submitting written comments, commenting agencies and the review of the affected agencies, each permitting agency shall, within 45 days after the consolidated public hearing under ORS 517.981 (Draft permit and permit conditions) or within the time period required by any applicable federal law, whichever is sooner, approve, deny or modify the agency’s permit with conditions necessary to ensure that the mining operation allowed under a permit complies with the standards and requirements applicable to the permit.

(2) Each cooperating agency shall:

(a) Develop permit conditions within the expertise and authority of the cooperating agency that are reasonable and designed to avoid or minimize the adverse effect; and

(b) Submit the permit conditions to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries to be included as conditions on the department’s permit.

(3) The department may not issue a permit until each cooperating agency has submitted a written concurrence with the terms and conditions of the permit pertaining to the statutory responsibility of each cooperating agency or 60 days after the consolidated public hearing, whichever is earlier.

(4) Upon completion of the permits, the department shall issue a notice in accordance with ORS 517.959 (Public notice requirements for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to notify interested persons that the final permits are issued. [1991 c.735 §20; 2013 c.371 §21; 2017 c.736 §9]

Source: Section 517.982 — Final permits; permit conditions submitted by cooperating agencies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.984 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.984
517.984 Modification of permit
Status: in_force

(1) The operator, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, any other permitting agency or a cooperating agency may request modification of a permit issued under the process established under ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) .

(2) If a permitting agency is requested to make a permit modification that the permitting agency or a cooperating agency finds is a significant permit modification under the provisions of ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) , the agency shall notify the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. The department shall coordinate the organization of a project coordinating committee. The project coordinating committee shall review the proposed modification and determine those portions of ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) with which the applicant must comply. The decision of the project review committee shall be:

(a) Limited to those portions of the mining operation to be modified; and

(b) Consistent with public participation as set forth in ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) . [1991 c.735 §22; 2007 c.318 §26; 2013 c.371 §22]

Source: Section 517.984 — Modification of permit; project coordinating committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.925 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.925
517.925 Time limit for action on permit application
Status: in_force

The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall have 120 days to act upon a completed permit application. [1981 c.622 §6]

Source: Section 517.925 — Time limit for action on permit application , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.545 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.545
522.545 Rulemaking authority
Status: in_force

The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may make, in compliance with ORS chapter 183, rules and orders for the following purposes:

(1) To review and enforce voluntary unit agreements governing production of geothermal resources in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(2) To provide application forms and procedures to enable a person to request the board to initiate a unit agreement.

(3) To develop and enforce, when necessary, unit agreements satisfying the requirements of this chapter.

(4) To settle disagreements between the parties to a unit agreement over unit operation.

(5) To change the boundaries of a unit area.

(6) To prevent the drilling and operation of geothermal wells and the production of geothermal resources in a manner that causes injury to neighboring leaseholds or property.

(7) To levy fees on any operator, person, state or local governing body, special district or agency that holds a royalty interest in a unit area to cover reasonable costs associated with the development and administration of a unit agreement. [1981 c.588 §22]

Source: Section 522.545 — Rulemaking authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.046 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.046
517.046 Marking boundaries of claim or locating by legal subdivisions
Status: in_force

(1) Unless the claim for placer deposit referred to in ORS 517.044 (Location of claims upon placer deposits) is located by legal subdivisions, the surface boundaries of the claim must be marked so that the same may be readily traced. Such boundaries shall be marked within 30 days after the posting of the notice described in ORS 517.044 (Location of claims upon placer deposits) by substantial posts or other monuments of the same size, materials and dimensions as in the case of quartz claims. The boundaries of the claim shall be marked at each corner or angle, and, when any side or end of the claim extends for more than 1,320 feet without a corner or angle, then at intervals of not less than 1,320 feet along such side or end.

(2) Where the claim for placer deposit referred to in ORS 517.044 (Location of claims upon placer deposits) is taken by legal subdivisions, no other reference in the notice of claim required to be posted and filed under the provisions of ORS 517.042 (“Legal subdivision” defined for ORS 517.042 to 517.052) to 517.052 (Recording copy of location notice) than to the legal subdivisions shall be required and the boundaries of a claim so located and described need not be staked or monumented. The description by legal subdivisions in the notice required to be filed under ORS 517.052 (Recording copy of location notice) shall be deemed the equivalent of marking the surface boundaries of the claim. [1961 c.525 §3]

Source: Section 517.046 — Marking boundaries of claim or locating by legal subdivisions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.270 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.270
517.270 Vesting of interest of delinquent co-owner
Status: in_force

If at the expiration of 90 days from the date of personal service of the notice upon the delinquent co-owner or from the date of the last publication of the notice, the delinquent co-owner has not paid the proportion of the delinquent co-owner to the co-owners who performed or caused to be performed the assessment work, the title to the interest of the delinquent co-owner in the mine shall be immediately vested in the co-owners who performed or caused to be performed the assessment work.

Source: Section 517.270 — Vesting of interest of delinquent co-owner , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.979 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.979
517.979 Environmental evaluation
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall direct staff or shall hire a third party contractor to:

(a) Prepare an environmental evaluation;

(b) Review baseline data submitted by the applicant; and

(c) Review application material if a permitting agency or a cooperating agency lacks the expertise.

(2) The applicant shall pay costs of hiring a third party contractor. If the applicant shows cause why a particular third party contractor should not be allowed to perform a function under subsection (1) of this section, the department shall hire an alternate contractor.

(3) The contents of the environmental evaluation under subsection (1) of this section shall include:

(a) An analysis of the reasonably foreseeable impacts of an activity including catastrophic consequences, even if the probability of occurrence is low, if the analysis is supported by credible scientific evidence and is not based on pure conjecture.

(b) An assessment of the total cumulative impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of an action when added with other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of the agency or persons that undertake the other action, or whether the actions are on private, state or federal land. To the extent possible, the department shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with federal agencies to ensure that information required by the state in evaluating the cumulative impact of a proposed mining operation may be used by the applicant to satisfy federal requirements for such an assessment.

(c) A review and analysis of alternatives analyzed by the applicant or a contractor hired by the applicant that:

(A) Rigorously explores and objectively evaluates all reasonable alternatives and briefly discusses alternatives that were eliminated and the reasons the alternatives were eliminated;

(B) Treats each alternative, including the proposed action, in detail so that the permitting agencies, cooperating agencies and the public may evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives; and

(C) Identifies all alternatives within the authority of each permitting or cooperating agency.

(4) Upon completion of the environmental evaluation, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall provide notice in accordance with ORS 517.959 (Public notice requirements for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) . The notice shall state that the environmental evaluation is complete and that the persons may respond with written comments for a period of two weeks after the notice is given. [1991 c.735 §17; 2013 c.371 §20]

Source: Section 517.979 — Environmental evaluation; review of baseline data; payment of costs of third party contractor , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.340 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.340
523.340 Abandonment of improvement
Status: in_force

The district board may abandon proceedings for an improvement at any time prior to the final completion of the improvement. If liens have been assessed upon any property under ORS 523.210 (Special assessment for improvements) to 523.380 (Foreclosure of assessment lien) , they shall be canceled, and any payments made on such assessments shall be refunded to the person paying the same, the assigns or legal representatives of the person. [1975 c.782 §31]

Source: Section 523.340 — Abandonment of improvement; cancellation of liens; refunds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.180 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.180
517.180 Procedure for extinguishing dormant mineral interest
Status: in_force

(1) An owner of land in which another person holds a mineral interest, may extinguish the holder’s interest by publishing notice and submitting an affidavit of publication for recording as described in subsections (4) to (9) of this section, unless:

(a) Within the last 30 years, the holder of the mineral interest has submitted a statement of claim for recording in the manner set out in subsection (3) of this section; or

(b) The holder of the mineral interest acquired the mineral interest within the previous 30 years.

(2) For the purposes of this section:

(a) “Mineral interest” includes any interest that is created by an instrument transferring, either by grant, assignment, reservation or otherwise, an interest of any kind in coal, oil, gas or other minerals and geothermal resources, except an interest vested in the United States, the State of Oregon or a political subdivision of the State of Oregon. A mineral interest does not include an interest in sand or gravel.

(b) “Owner of land” includes a vested fee simple owner or a contract purchaser.

(3) The statement of claim referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall be submitted for recording in the office of the clerk of the county in which the land affected by the mineral interest is located and shall contain:

(a) The name and address of the holder of the mineral interest as that name is shown in the instrument that created the original mineral interest; and

(b) The name and address of the current holder of the mineral interest.

(4) To extinguish the mineral interest held by another person, and acquire ownership of that interest, the owner of the land shall publish notice of the lapse of the mineral interest at least once each week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the lands affected by the mineral interest are located. If the address of the mineral interest holder is known or can be determined by due diligence, the notice shall also be mailed by the owner of the land to the holder of the mineral interest before the first publication.

(5) The notice required in subsection (4) of this section shall include:

(a) The name of the holder of the mineral interest, as shown of record;

(b) A reference to the instrument creating the original mineral interest, including where it is recorded;

(c) A description of the lands affected by the mineral interest;

(d) The name and address of the person giving the notice;

(e) The date of first publication of the notice; and

(f) A statement that the holder of the mineral interest must submit a statement of claim to the county clerk within 60 days after the date of the last publication or the mineral interest of the holder may be extinguished.

(6) A copy of the notice and an affidavit of publication of the notice, as described in subsection (7) of this section, shall be submitted to the county clerk within 15 days after the date of the last publication of the notice in the office of the clerk of the county where the lands affected by the mineral interest are located.

(7) The affidavit of publication shall contain either:

(a) A statement that a copy of the notice was mailed to the holder of the mineral interest and the address to which it was mailed; or

(b) If no copy of the notice was mailed, a detailed description, including dates, of the efforts made to determine with due diligence the address of the holder of the mineral interest.

(8) If the owner of the land affected by the mineral interest gives notice as required in subsection (4) of this section and submits a copy of the notice and the affidavit of publication for recording as required by subsection (6) of this section, the mineral interest of the holder shall be extinguished and become the property of the owner of the lands, unless the holder of the mineral interest submits a statement of claim to the county clerk within 60 days after the date of the last publication of the notice.

(9) Upon receipt, the clerk of the county shall record a statement of claim or a notice and affidavit of publication of notice in the Mineral and Mining Record. When possible, the clerk shall also indicate by marginal notation on the instrument creating the original mineral interest the recording of the statement of claim or notice and affidavit of publication of notice. The clerk of the county shall record a statement of claim by cross-referencing in the Mineral and Mining Record the name of the current holder of the mineral interest and the name of the original holder of the mineral interest as set out in the statement of claim.

(10) The provisions of this section may not be waived at any time. [1983 c.421 §2; 1997 c.819 §10; 1999 c.654 §31]

Source: Section 517.180 — Procedure for extinguishing dormant mineral interest , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.983 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.983
517.983 Consolidated contested case hearing
Status: in_force

(1) The applicant or any person who appeared before a permitting agency at the consolidated public hearing under ORS 517.981 (Draft permit and permit conditions) , either orally or in writing, regarding a permit granted or denied by the permitting agency may file with the State Geologist a written request for a consolidated contested case hearing. The request shall be filed within 30 days after the date the permit was granted or denied.

(2) Upon receipt of a request under subsection (1) of this section, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall schedule a consolidated contested case hearing which shall be held not less than 60 days or more than 75 days after the notice of permit issuance under ORS 517.982 (Final permits) . The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions applicable to contested case proceedings under ORS chapter 183. Any permit granted by a permitting agency shall be suspended until completion of the administrative hearings process.

(3) Hearings under this section shall be conducted by an administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings established under ORS 183.605 (Office of Administrative Hearings) .

(4) The administrative law judge shall prepare a proposed order for each contested permit. A party may file written exceptions to the proposed order with the permitting agency. If the permitting agency determines that additional information may be included in the record, the agency shall remand the order to the appropriate administrative law judge for further consideration. After receiving exceptions and hearing argument on the exceptions, the governing body or person within the permitting agency responsible for making a final decision on a permit may adopt the proposed order or issue a new order.

(5) Jurisdiction for judicial review of a permitting agency’s issuance or denial of a permit is conferred upon the Supreme Court. Proceedings for review shall be instituted by filing a petition in the Supreme Court. The petition shall be filed within 60 days following the date the permit is issued or denied. If the permit with prescribed conditions is approved, the filing of the petition for review shall stay the permit during the pendency of judicial review for a period of up to six months from the date the petition for review is filed. The Supreme Court may extend the stay beyond the six-month period upon written request and a showing by the petitioner that the activities under the permit could result in irreparable harm to the site. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the review by the Supreme Court shall be as provided in ORS 183.482 (Jurisdiction for review of contested cases) . The Supreme Court shall give priority on its docket to such a petition for review.

(6) When only the applicant files a petition for judicial review, the six-month stay imposed under subsection (5) of this section may be removed by the permitting agency upon written request within 60 days after the filing of the petition and a showing by the applicant to support a finding by the permitting agency that proceeding with any or all activities under the permit will not result in irreparable harm to the site. In making such findings the permitting agency may require an additional bond or alternative security to be filed with the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries as provided in ORS 517.987 (Reclamation bond or security) . The bond shall be in an amount the permitting agency determines necessary to assure complete restoration of the site if the petitioner elects not to complete the project following judicial review. Agency denial of the request to remove the stay is subject to review by the Supreme Court under such rules as the Supreme Court may establish. [1991 c.735 §21; 1999 c.849 §§104a,104c; 2003 c.75 §44]

Source: Section 517.983 — Consolidated contested case hearing; judicial review; stay of permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 516.100 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 516 / Section 516.100
516.100 Reports and publications of department
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall have prepared, printed and published reports, pamphlets, charts and maps, embracing the matters addressed in ORS 516.030 (Duties of department) and ORS chapters 517, 520 and 522. All maps, charts, special bulletins and other publications shall be for public distribution, but the department may make a reasonable charge to cover publication and distribution costs.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) When a report embodies results of surveys or studies of economic importance, no information of any kind concerning the contents of such report shall be given out prior to publication, if such prior information could place the recipient in a preferential position as regards its use.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, if an investigation of a mineral property or geologic hazard within the state is made by an employee of the department at the request of either the owner or a person in control of such property, results of the investigation shall be conveyed to the owner or person in control prior to the publication of a report of such results. After they have been conveyed to the owner or person, the results shall be open to public inspection prior to their publication. [Amended by 1975 c.605 §26; 1993 c.260 §7; 2005 c.22 §373]

Source: Section 516.100 — Reports and publications of department , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors516.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.973 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.973
517.973 Fees
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to any permit fee required by any other permitting agency, each notice of intent to submit a consolidated application under ORS 517.961 (Notice of intent to submit application) must be accompanied by an initial fee established by the State Geologist in an amount not to exceed $2,000.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Annually on the anniversary date of an operating permit, each holder of an operating permit shall pay to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries a renewal fee established by the State Geologist in an amount not less than $2,500.

(b) In addition to the fee prescribed in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the department may charge an amount not to exceed $1,200 for inspections made at sites if the surface mining is:

(A) Conducted without the permit required by ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) ;

(B) Abandoned; or

(C) Conducted in an area not described in the surface mining permit.

(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, the prospective applicant or applicant shall pay all expenses incurred by the department and the permitting and cooperating agencies related to the consolidated application process under ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) . These expenses may include legal expenses, expenses incurred in processing and evaluating the consolidated application, issuing a permit or final order and expenses of hiring a third party contractor under ORS 517.979 (Environmental evaluation) and 517.980 (Socioeconomic impact analysis) .

(4) If the costs exceed the fee, the prospective applicant or applicant shall pay any excess costs shown in an itemized statement prepared by the department. The department and permitting and cooperating agencies may not incur evaluation expenses in excess of 110 percent of the fee initially paid unless the department provides prior notification to the prospective applicant or applicant and a detailed projected budget the department believes necessary to complete the process or a portion of the process under ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) . If the actual costs are less than the fee paid, the department shall refund the excess to the prospective applicant or applicant.

(5) All expenses incurred by the department and the permitting and cooperating agencies under ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) that are charged to or allocated to the fee paid by a prospective applicant or an applicant shall be necessary, just and reasonable. Upon request, the department shall provide a detailed justification for all charges to the prospective applicant or applicant. [1991 c.735 §13a; 2013 c.371 §18; 2020 s.s.2 c.4 §5]

Source: Section 517.973 — Fees; payment of expenses of department and permitting and cooperating agencies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.710 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.710
523.710 Limit on eligible individuals in retirement plan
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter authorizes the district to budget, provide for payments or collect contributions to fund retirement benefits for an individual who is not in the employment of the district at the time of the creation of a membership status under a retirement plan. [1975 c.782 §46]

Source: Section 523.710 — Limit on eligible individuals in retirement plan , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.660 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.660
523.660 District funds
Status: in_force

(1) Moneys of a district shall be deposited in accordance with ORS 295.001 (Definitions for ORS 295.001 to 295.108) to 295.108 (State Treasurer rules) and as designated by the board of commissioners. Moneys shall be withdrawn or paid out only when previously ordered by vote of the board, and upon checks signed by the treasurer or such other person as may be authorized by resolution of the board. Receipts or vouchers, showing clearly the nature and items covered by each check drawn, shall be kept on file.

(2) All the proceedings of the board of commissioners shall be entered at large in a record book. All books, maps, plans, documents, correspondence, vouchers, reports and other papers and records pertaining to the business of the district shall be carefully preserved and shall be open to inspection as public records. [1975 c.782 §41; 2001 c.215 §18; 2019 c.587 §44]

Source: Section 523.660 — District funds; deposit; records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.245 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.245
522.245 Department approval of plugging and decommissioning
Status: in_force

(1) A representative of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may be present during any operation to plug and decommission a geothermal well. If the representative determines that the plugging and decommissioning is satisfactory, the representative shall approve the plugging and decommissioning of the well.

(2) Within 45 days after the completion of the plugging and decommissioning of any geothermal well, the operator of the well shall make a written report of all work done. Within 45 days after the receipt of the report, the department shall furnish the operator with a written final approval of the plugging and decommissioning or a written disapproval setting forth the conditions upon which the disapproval is based.

(3) Failure to plug and decommission in accordance with the approved method, failure to submit to the department any notice or report required by this chapter or failure to furnish the department with any required information shall constitute sufficient grounds for disapproval of the plugging and decommissioning and shall constitute unlawful abandonment of the well.

(4) When the department has issued a written disapproval of the plugging and decommissioning, the governing board of the department may proceed against the operator and the surety of the operator as provided for in ORS 522.145 (Bond or security) and may bring suit pursuant to ORS 522.810 (Suits to enjoin violations) or take any other enforcement or recovery action authorized by law. [1975 c.552 §19; 1981 c.694 §10; 2009 c.794 §21]

Source: Section 522.245 — Department approval of plugging and decommissioning; report by operator; effect of failure to comply; proceedings against operator , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.210 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.210
523.210 Special assessment for improvements
Status: in_force

Whenever the district board considers it necessary, upon its own motion, or upon the petition of the owners of one-half of the property that benefits specially from the improvement, to make any improvement to be paid for in whole or in part by special assessment according to benefits, the board shall, by motion, cause a survey and written report for such project to be made and filed with the secretary. Unless the district board directs otherwise, the report shall contain:

(1) A map or plat showing the general nature, location and extent of the proposed improvement and the land to be assessed for the payment of any part of the cost thereof.

(2) Plans, specifications and estimates of the work to be done; however, where the proposed project is to be carried out in cooperation with any other governmental agency, the district board may adopt the plans, specifications and estimates of such agency.

(3) An estimate of the probable cost of the improvement, including any legal, administrative and engineering costs attributable thereto.

(4) An estimate of the unit cost of the improvement to the specially benefited properties.

(5) A recommendation as to the method of assessment to be used to arrive at a fair apportionment of the whole or any portion of the cost of the improvement to the properties specially benefited.

(6) The description and assessed value of each lot, parcel of land or portion thereof, to be specially benefited by the improvement, with the names of the record owners thereof and, when readily available, the names of the contract purchasers thereof.

(7) A statement of outstanding assessments against property to be assessed. [1975 c.782 §19]

Source: Section 523.210 — Special assessment for improvements; report; contents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.770 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.770
517.770 Exemptions from reclamation requirements
Status: in_force

(1) The following mining operations are exempt from the reclamation requirements set forth in ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) :

(a) Lands within the surfaces and contours of surface mines in existence on July 1, 1972, or vertical extensions of those surfaces and contours, provided that the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries issued a certificate of exemption to the mining operation on or before October 31, 2000.

(b) Lands within the surfaces and contours of surface mines in existence on July 1, 1972, or vertical extensions of those surfaces and contours, provided that:

(A) The surface mining operations at the site were allowed under a comparable certificate of exemption that was issued by a county and current on the date of repeal of a county zoning law or ordinance described in ORS 517.780 (Effect on county zoning laws or ordinances) (1); and

(B) The landowner or operator applies for and receives a certificate of exemption from the department. An application for a certificate of exemption must be filed with the department within 90 days after the date the county’s repeal of a zoning law or ordinance becomes effective. If the department does not approve or disapprove the application within 90 days after the date the application is filed with the department, the application will be deemed to be approved.

(c) Lands within the surfaces and contours of surface mining operations that are owned or operated by a person that, on July 1, 1972, was a party to a surface mining contract that was valid on January 1, 1971, provided that the department issued a certificate of exemption to the mining operation on or before September 20, 1985.

(2) A certificate of exemption terminates if the landowner or operator does not renew the certificate annually. [1971 c.719 §15; 1973 c.709 §1; 1975 c.724 §2; 1985 c.292 §5; 1987 c.260 §2; 1987 c.361 §§1,1a; 1999 c.492 §1; 2009 c.270 §1]

Source: Section 517.770 — Exemptions from reclamation requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.825 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.825
517.825 Mining aggregate on high-value farmland
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “significant aggregate resource” means the average minimum depth of aggregate, determined by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission, that is required for a local government to find that the aggregate resource is significant pursuant to a statewide land use planning goal that protects natural resources and conserves scenic, historic and open space resources.

(2) When the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries issues an operating permit under ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) for mining aggregate on high-value farmland composed predominantly of Class I and Class II soils in the Willamette Valley, the department shall require:

(a) An operator or owner to excavate substantially all of the significant aggregate resource within the operating permit boundary, not including any buffer, setback and sloping areas:

(A) To the extent that the removal of the significant aggregate resource can be done in a manner that is consistent with operating permit conditions imposed by the department; and

(B) Subject to limitations imposed by other federal, state or local regulatory requirements.

(b) An applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the operator or owner has the mechanical ability to comply with paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(c) Performance of the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection before approving final reclamation and closure of the mining operation, unless:

(A) The operator or owner defaults as described in ORS 517.860 (Effect of failure to comply with operating permit or reclamation plan) ; or

(B) Performance is not required due to changed conditions or new information that justify a permit modification under ORS 517.831 (Modification of operating permit or reclamation plan) .

(3) The acceptance by the department of a plan to mine in compliance with subsection (2)(a) of this section does not establish a depth standard for purposes of land use permits or authorizations.

(4) The time limitations imposed on the department under ORS 517.830 (Operating permit approval process) do not apply to an application for an operating permit, or the transfer of a permit under ORS 517.833 (Transfer of operating permit) , that is subject to this section.

(5) This section does not require the operator or owner to provide bond or security to excavate to the permitted depth. [2013 c.706 §3]

Source: Section 517.825 — Mining aggregate on high-value farmland; requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.760 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.760
517.760 Policy
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(a) It is the policy of the State of Oregon to recognize the important and essential contribution that the extraction of minerals makes to the economic well-being of the state and the nation and to prevent unacceptable adverse impacts to environmental, scenic, recreational, social, archaeological and historic resources of the state that may result from mining operations, while permitting operations that comply with the provisions set forth in ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.951 (Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction) .

(b) Proper reclamation of surface-mined lands is necessary to prevent undesirable land and water conditions that would be detrimental to the general welfare, health, safety and property rights of the citizens of this state.

(c) Surface mining takes place in diverse areas where the geologic, topographic, climatic, biological and social conditions are significantly different and that reclamation operations and the specifications therefor must vary accordingly.

(d) It is not practical to extract minerals required by our society without disturbing the surface of the earth and producing waste materials and that the very character of many types of surface mining operations precludes complete restoration of the affected lands to their original condition.

(e) Reclamation of surface-mined lands as provided by ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.951 (Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction) will allow the mining of valuable minerals in a manner designed for the protection and subsequent beneficial use of the mined and reclaimed lands.

(2) The Legislative Assembly, therefore, declares that the purposes of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.951 (Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction) are:

(a) To provide that the usefulness, productivity and scenic values of all lands and water resources affected by surface mining operations within this state shall receive the greatest practical degree of protection and reclamation necessary for their intended subsequent use.

(b) To provide for cooperation between private and governmental entities in carrying out the purposes of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.951 (Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction) and reclamation of abandoned mined lands that may pose a hazard to public health, safety or the environment. [1971 c.719 §1; 1985 c.292 §4; 1993 c.342 §1]

Source: Section 517.760 — Policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.125 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.125
522.125 Circulation of application to state agencies
Status: in_force

(1) Upon receipt of a complete application for a permit to drill or operate a geothermal well, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall circulate copies of the application to the Water Resources Department, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Environmental Quality, the State Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the State Department of Energy, the Department of State Lands and the governing body of the county and the geothermal heating district in which the well will be located. The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may circulate copies to other public agencies that have an interest in the application.

(2) Any public agency receiving a copy of the application as provided in subsection (1) of this section may suggest conditions under which a permit should be granted. A public agency shall submit any suggested conditions to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries within 45 days of the public agency’s receipt of the copy of the application. The department shall consider any suggested conditions that a public agency submits to the department within the 45-day period. [1975 c.552 §6; 1981 c.694 §5; 1989 c.904 §66; 2009 c.794 §12]

Source: Section 522.125 — Circulation of application to state agencies; suggested conditions to permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.991 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.991
520.991 Penalties
Status: in_force

Subject to ORS 153.022 (Authority of agency to specify rule violation as particular level of violation) , violation of any provision of this chapter, any rule adopted by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under this chapter or any order issued by the board or the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under this chapter is a Class B misdemeanor. [1953 c.667 §19; 1999 c.1051 §315; 2007 c.672 §23; 2011 c.597 §221]

Source: Section 520.991 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.230 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.230
523.230 Approval of special assessment report
Status: in_force

After the district board approves the report as submitted or modified, the board shall, by resolution, declare its intention to make the improvement, provide the manner and method of carrying out the improvement and direct the secretary to give notice of the improvement. Such notice shall be given by two publications one week apart in a newspaper of general circulation within the district, and by mailing copies of the notice by registered or certified mail to the owners to be assessed for the costs of the improvement. The notice shall contain the following:

(1) That the report of the improvement is on file in the office of the secretary and is subject to public examination.

(2) That the district board will hold a public hearing on the proposed improvement on a specified date, which shall not be earlier than 10 days following the first publication of notice, at which objections and remonstrances to the improvement will be heard by the board; and that if prior to such hearing there shall be presented to the secretary valid, written remonstrances of the owners of two-thirds of the property or two-thirds of the front footage of the property to be specifically affected for the improvement, then the improvement will be abandoned for at least six months, unless the improvement is unanimously declared by the district board to be needed at once because of an emergency.

(3) A description of the property to be specially benefited by the improvement, the owners of the property and the estimate of the unit cost of the improvement to be paid for by special assessments to benefited properties. [1975 c.782 §21]

Source: Section 523.230 — Approval of special assessment report; notice of improvement; contents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.690 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.690
523.690 Payments to retirement plan fund
Status: in_force

The district may budget and provide for payment into the fund of the retirement plan an amount sufficient:

(1) To provide on an actuarial reserve basis the amortized level premium cost of the retirement benefits which, under the provision of the retirement system, are to be provided by the district to its employees who attain the retirement age or retire in accordance with the terms of the retirement plan.

(2) To meet the actuarially computed costs of retirement benefits measured on the basis of services rendered or to be rendered by an employee before or after the date on which such employee becomes a member of the retirement plan. [1975 c.782 §44]

Source: Section 523.690 — Payments to retirement plan fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.140 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.140
523.140 Rate increase procedure
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever any increase is proposed in the existing rates charged geothermal heat consumers by a district pursuant to ORS 523.130 (Rates) , the board of commissioners shall first provide for a public hearing on such proposal before any increased rates are ordered into effect.

(2) The public hearing required under subsection (1) of this section shall be held at a place designated by the board after notice thereof has been given by inclusion of a notice of the public hearing in the geothermal heating bills sent to consumers by the district during the period of 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. [1975 c.782 §14]

Source: Section 523.140 — Rate increase procedure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.315 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.315
522.315 Final order of department
Status: in_force

Whenever the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries gives any written direction concerning any geothermal well and the operator requests in writing that a final order for purposes of ORS chapter 183 be made, the department shall, within 15 days after receipt of the notice, deliver such final written order to the operator. [1975 c.552 §24]

Source: Section 522.315 — Final order of department; delivery to operator , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.670 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.670
523.670 Agreements between district and annexed or joined city
Status: in_force

If a city has been annexed to a district under ORS 198.866 (Annexation of city to district) and 198.867 (Approval of annexation to district by electors of city and district) or joined to a district under ORS 198.910 (Joint meeting of governing bodies of merged or consolidated districts and cities) , the city and the district may:

(1) Enter into contracts and agreements to do any act or thing which either could have done if the annexation had not occurred.

(2) Contract and agree for the collection by the district of any geothermal heat tax or charge imposed by the city upon geothermal heat users within the territory of the city, and the district thereupon may provide for such collection according to its rules and regulations for the collection of amounts due the district by geothermal heat users, including but not limited to shutting off the geothermal heat supply for nonpayment. [1975 c.782 §42; 1983 c.142 §17]

Source: Section 523.670 — Agreements between district and annexed or joined city , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.956 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.956
517.956 Requirements for mining operations
Status: in_force

Mining operations in Oregon shall comply with the following:

(1) Mining operations shall be undertaken in a manner that minimizes environmental damage through the use of the best available, practicable and necessary technology to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

(2) Protection measures for fish and wildlife shall be consistent with policies of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, including:

(a) Protective measures to maintain an objective of zero wildlife mortality. All chemical processing solutions and associated waste water shall be covered or contained to preclude access by wildlife or maintained in a condition that is not harmful to wildlife.

(b) On-site and off-site mitigation ensuring that there is no overall net loss of habitat value.

(c) No loss of existing critical habitat of any state or federally listed threatened or endangered species.

(d) Fish and wildlife mortality shall be reported in accordance with a monitoring and reporting plan approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(e) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall establish by rule standards for review of a proposed mining operation for the purpose of developing conditions for fish and wildlife habitat protection that satisfy the terms of this section for inclusion in a consolidated permit by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

(3) Surface reclamation of a mine site shall:

(a) Ensure protection of human health and safety, as well as that of livestock, fish and wildlife;

(b) Ensure environmental protection;

(c) Require certification to the operator, by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Department of Agriculture, that a self-sustaining ecosystem, comparable to undamaged ecosystems in the area, has been established in satisfaction of the operator’s habitat restoration obligations; and

(d) Include backfilling or partial backfilling as determined on a case-by-case basis by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries when necessary to achieve reclamation objectives that cannot be achieved through other mitigation activities. [1991 c.735 §4; 2003 c.14 §341; 2007 c.318 §25; 2013 c.371 §9]

Source: Section 517.956 — Requirements for mining operations; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.981 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.981
517.981 Draft permit and permit conditions
Status: in_force

(1) Within 225 days after receiving the completed consolidated application and the environmental evaluation conducted under ORS 517.979 (Environmental evaluation) , each permitting agency shall provide its draft permit and permit conditions or its denial document to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. If a permitting agency includes in its draft permit a condition that is inconsistent with the environmental evaluation conducted pursuant to ORS 517.979 (Environmental evaluation) , the agency shall include with its draft permit a written explanation of the condition setting forth the findings of the agency that support the condition. The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall assure that the conditions imposed on the permits by the cooperating agencies do not conflict. If the department finds a conflict exists, the technical review team shall resolve the conflict.

(2) Within 15 days after receiving all draft permits and the completion of its draft operating permit, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall issue notice of an opportunity for public comment and a consolidated public hearing on all draft permits. The public hearing shall occur not sooner than 45 days after the department issues the notice. The notice shall be issued in accordance with ORS 517.959 (Public notice requirements for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) . [1991 c.735 §19]

Source: Section 517.981 — Draft permit and permit conditions; denial of permit; time limits; public hearing on draft permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.910 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.910
517.910 Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989
Status: in_force

For the purposes of ORS 517.910 (Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) :

(1) “Impact area” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.298 (Mining in exclusive farm use zone) (1).

(2) “Nonaggregate minerals” means coal and metal-bearing ores, including but not limited to ores that contain nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc, gold, molybdenum, uranium, silver, aluminum, chrome, copper or mercury.

(3) “Reclamation” means, notwithstanding ORS 517.750 (Definitions for ORS 517.702 to 517.989) (13), the employment in a surface mining operation of procedures reasonably designed to minimize, as much as practicable, the disruption from the surface mining operation or surface mining processing operation and to provide for the rehabilitation of any such surface resources through the use of plant cover, soil stability techniques, measures to protect the surface and subsurface water resources, including but not limited to domestic water use and agricultural water use, and other measures appropriate to the subsequent beneficial use of any land or water resource affected by a surface mining or processing operation.

(4) “Significant mineral resource site” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.298 (Mining in exclusive farm use zone) (1). [1981 c.622 §3; 1987 c.158 §113; 1987 c.693 §5; 1989 c.347 §14; 1999 c.353 §8; 2007 c.318 §21; 2013 c.371 §2; 2017 c.736 §6]

Source: Section 517.910 — Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.810 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.810
522.810 Suits to enjoin violations
Status: in_force

Whenever it appears that any person is violating or threatening to violate any provision of this chapter or any rule or order of the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries made thereunder, or is threatening to or committing waste, the board may bring suit against such person in the circuit court of any county where the violation or waste occurs or is threatened, to restrain such person from continuing such violation or waste. In any such suit, the court shall have jurisdiction to grant to the board, without bond or other undertaking, such temporary restraining orders or final prohibitory and mandatory injunctions as the facts may warrant, including any such orders restraining the movement, disposition or waste of geothermal resources. [1971 c.776 §41; 1973 c.388 §7; 1975 c.552 §29]

Source: Section 522.810 — Suits to enjoin violations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.320 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.320
523.320 Deficit assessment
Status: in_force

In the event that an assessment is made before the total cost of the improvement is ascertained, and if it is found that the amount of the assessment is insufficient to defray the expenses of the improvement, the district board may, by motion, declare such deficit and prepare a proposed deficit assessment. The board shall set a time for a hearing of objections to such deficit assessment and shall direct the secretary to publish one notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the district. After the hearing the board shall make a just and equitable deficit assessment by ordinance, which shall be entered in the lien docket as provided by ORS 523.210 (Special assessment for improvements) to 523.380 (Foreclosure of assessment lien) . Notices of the deficit assessment shall be published and mailed and the collection of the assessment shall be made in accordance with ORS 523.280 (Notice of assessment to property owners) and 523.290 (Entry of amount of assessment) . [1975 c.782 §29]

Source: Section 523.320 — Deficit assessment; hearing; objections; notices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.175 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.175
522.175 Plugging and decommissioning
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall abandon a geothermal well without first plugging and decommissioning the well in conformance with a plugging and decommissioning plan approved by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and complying with the provisions of ORS 522.245 (Department approval of plugging and decommissioning) .

(2) The governing board of the department shall adopt rules designed to:

(a) Protect underground and surface water usable for beneficial purposes from pollution resulting from infiltration or addition of any detrimental substance;

(b) Prevent the escape of all fluids to the surface;

(c) Close the surface aperture of the well; and

(d) Remove all surface equipment except that necessary to maintain permanent closure of the well. [1975 c.552 §11; 1981 c.694 §8; 2009 c.794 §17]

Source: Section 522.175 — Plugging and decommissioning; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.490 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.490
523.490 Issuance of bonds
Status: in_force

All general obligation and revenue bonds, including refunding bonds, authorized under ORS 523.460 (General obligation bonds) to 523.480 (Refunding bonds) shall be issued as prescribed in ORS chapter 287A. [1975 c.782 §9; 2007 c.783 §212]

Source: Section 523.490 — Issuance of bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.240 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.240
520.240 Voluntary unitization of operations by lessees of tidal or submersible lands
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of properly conserving the natural resources of any single oil or gas pool or field, lessees under ORS 274.705 (Definitions for ORS 274.705 to 274.860) to 274.860 (Protection and location of filled lands) and their representatives may unite with each other jointly or separately, or jointly or separately with others owning or operating lands not belonging to the state, in collectively adopting and operating under a cooperative or unit plan of development or operation of the pool or field, whenever it is determined by the Department of State Lands to be necessary or advisable in the public interest.

(2) The Department of State Lands may, with the consent of the holders of the leases involved, establish, alter, change and revoke any drilling and production requirements of such leases, and make such regulations with reference to such leases, with like consent on the part of the lessees, in connection with the institution and operation of any such cooperative or unit plan, as the Department of State Lands deems necessary or proper to secure the proper protection of the interests of the state. [1961 c.619 §33]

Source: Section 520.240 — Voluntary unitization of operations by lessees of tidal or submersible lands; Department of State Lands’ function , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.951 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.951
517.951 Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly declares that ORS 517.910 (Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) are not intended to provide the legal basis for assumption by the State of Oregon of exclusive jurisdiction over the environmental regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations described in section 503 of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1253). [Formerly 517.955]

Note: 517.951 (Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction) was added to and made a part of 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 517.951 — Legislative intent not to assume exclusive jurisdiction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.795 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.795
517.795 Department to consult with and cooperate with other agencies
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall consult with other state agencies as necessary to ensure that rules developed by the department and those agencies regarding exploration or monitoring well requirements for sites described under ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) do not conflict.

(2) The department and any other state agencies imposing requirements for exploration or monitoring wells for sites described under ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) may enter into agreements for the department to act on behalf of the agencies in informing the landowner or operator of the requirements and overseeing enforcement of the requirements. [1997 c.184 §1]

Note: 517.795 (Department to consult with and cooperate with other agencies) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 517 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 517.795 — Department to consult with and cooperate with other agencies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.035 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.035
520.035 Waste of oil or gas prohibited
Status: in_force

The waste of oil or gas, as defined in ORS 520.005 (Definitions) , is prohibited. [1953 c.667 §3; 2007 c.672 §7]

Source: Section 520.035 — Waste of oil or gas prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.425 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.425
522.425 Provisions in rule or order requiring unit operation
Status: in_force

Any rule or order of the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries providing for the unit operation of a geothermal resource area may include provisions for:

(1) Division of a reservoir into zones;

(2) Establishment of spacing units, including a description of their location, size and shape;

(3) The integration of separately owned tracts or interests within a spacing unit, the development and operation of the spacing unit and the sharing of production;

(4) The protection of existing and future beneficial uses of water;

(5) Maintenance of the renewability of geothermal resources and any other natural resources; and

(6) Any additional provisions the board considers necessary for carrying out the provisions of this chapter or for protection of the public health, safety and welfare. [1981 c.588 §10]

Source: Section 522.425 — Provisions in rule or order requiring unit operation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.210 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.210
520.210 Establishment of spacing units for pool or field
Status: in_force

(1) When necessary to prevent waste of oil or gas, to avoid the drilling of unnecessary wells or to protect correlative rights, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall establish spacing units for a pool or field. Spacing units when established shall be of uniform size and shape for the entire pool or field, except that when found to be necessary for any of the above purposes the board is authorized to divide any pool or field into zones and establish spacing units for each zone, which units may differ in size and shape from those established in any other zone. The board may not establish spacing units for injection wells, withdrawal wells or monitoring wells drilled for the purpose of storing gas or other gaseous substances, or wells drilled for the underground disposal of fluids.

(2) The size and shape of spacing units shall be such as will result in efficient and economical development of the pool or field as a whole and the size thereof may not be smaller than the maximum area that can be efficiently drained by one well.

(3) An order establishing spacing units for a pool or field shall specify the size and shape of each unit and the location of each permitted well thereon in accordance with a reasonably uniform spacing plan. If an owner finds that a well drilled at the prescribed location would not produce in paying quantities or that surface conditions would substantially add to the burden or hazard of drilling such well, then the owner may apply to the department for permission to drill a well at a location other than that prescribed by such spacing order. The department shall notify adjacent mineral owners of such application and any such owner may request a hearing by the board to consider the application. If no request for a hearing is made in writing within 20 days, the department may issue an order approving the drilling site. Any order by the board or department under this section shall include in the order suitable provisions to prevent the production from the spacing unit of more than its just and equitable share of the oil and gas in the pool.

(4) An order establishing spacing units for a pool or field shall cover all lands determined or believed to be underlaid by such pool or field and may be modified by the board from time to time to include additional areas determined to be underlaid by such pool or field. When necessary to prevent waste of oil or gas, to protect correlative rights or to provide for more efficient drainage, an order establishing spacing units in a pool or field may be modified by the board to increase the size of spacing units for future wells in a pool or field or any zone thereof or to permit the drilling of additional wells on a reasonably uniform plan in such pool, field or zone. [Formerly 520.065; 1981 c.146 §4; 2007 c.672 §18]

Source: Section 520.210 — Establishment of spacing units for pool or field; purpose; scope; effect , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.025 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.025
520.025 Permit for drilling well or using well
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not drill or use a well without first obtaining a permit from the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and posting any bond that may be required pursuant to ORS 520.095 (Rules and orders) (1). When drilling has been completed, the well must be maintained under a permit until it is properly plugged and the site is reclaimed.

(2) A permittee maintaining or operating a well shall provide the department with an annual report on a form provided by the department. Subject to the determinations in subsection (3) of this section, a permittee shall renew the permit for a well by paying the fee established under ORS 520.017 (Fees) .

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If upon receipt of the application the department determines that the method and equipment to be used by the applicant in drilling or operating the well comply with applicable laws and rules, the department shall issue the permit.

(b) The department may refuse to issue, refuse to renew or revoke a permit issued pursuant to this section if the department determines that methods or equipment to be used or being used in drilling or operating the well do not comply with applicable laws or rules, or that the well will not be operated and maintained or is not being operated or maintained in compliance with the permit and applicable laws or rules. [1953 c.667 §5; 1973 c.276 §2; 1977 c.296 §3; 1981 c.146 §1; 1991 c.526 §1; 2007 c.672 §4; 2020 s.s.2 c.4 §7]

Source: Section 520.025 — Permit for drilling well or using well; extension; annual report; grounds for granting or denying permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.052 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.052
517.052 Recording copy of location notice
Status: in_force

The individual locating a placer deposit shall, within 60 days from the posting of the location notice upon the claim, record with the clerk of the county where the claim is situated, a copy of the notice posted by the individual upon the claim. The fee for recording such location notice shall be the fee provided for in ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) . The clerk shall immediately record the location notice. [1961 c.525 §5; 1971 c.228 §3; 1991 c.230 §26; 1999 c.654 §29]

Source: Section 517.052 — Recording copy of location notice; fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.225 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.225
522.225 Notice of intent to plug and decommission
Status: in_force

(1) Before commencing any operation to discontinue the use of a geothermal well, the operator shall give notice to the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries of the intention to plug and decommission the well and the date upon which the work will begin.

(2) Such notice shall be given at least 24 hours before the commencement of plugging and decommissioning operations and shall indicate:

(a) The condition of the well;

(b) The proposed method of the plugging and decommissioning operation; and

(c) Any additional information that may be required by the department. [1975 c.552 §17; 2009 c.794 §20]

Source: Section 522.225 — Notice of intent to plug and decommission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.135 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.135
522.135 Permit
Status: in_force

(1) Within 60 days after receipt of a complete application for a permit to drill or operate a geothermal well, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall by order issue or deny the permit unless the department determines that a longer period is necessary to respond to comments or new information or for other good cause.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 522.145 (Bond or security) , the department shall issue the permit if, after receipt of comments from the agencies referred to in ORS 522.125 (Circulation of application to state agencies) , the department determines that issuance of the permit would be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and ORS chapters 468A, 468B and 537, any rule adopted under this chapter by the governing board of the department, any rule adopted by the Water Resources Commission under ORS chapter 537 and any rule adopted under ORS chapter 468 or 468B by the Environmental Quality Commission.

(3) If the department issues a permit pursuant to this section, the department shall impose such conditions as the department considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and ORS chapters 468A, 468B and 537, any rule adopted under this chapter by the governing board of the department, any rule adopted by the Water Resources Commission under ORS chapter 537 and any rule adopted under ORS chapter 468 or 468B by the Environmental Quality Commission. The department shall include in the permit a statement that issuance of the permit does not relieve any person from any obligation to comply with ORS 468B.035 (Implementation of Federal Water Pollution Control Act) , 468B.050 (Water quality permit) , 468B.195 (Underground injection control program of federal Safe Drinking Water Act) , 537.090 (Laws applicable to geothermal wells) or 537.535 (Unlawful use or appropriation of ground water, including well construction and operation) or any other applicable state or federal environmental laws.

(4) The State Geologist shall incorporate into the permit requirements:

(a) Any conditions made by the Water Resources Director necessary to comply with the purposes set forth in ORS 537.525 (Policy) ; and

(b) Any conditions made by the Department of Environmental Quality necessary to comply with the purposes set forth in ORS 468A.010 (Policy) and 468B.015 (Policy) . [1975 c.552 §7; 1981 c.694 §6; 1991 c.526 §4; 2009 c.794 §13; 2020 s.s.2 c.4 §10]

Source: Section 522.135 — Permit; time limit for action; grounds for issuance; conditions; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.325 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.325
522.325 Compliance with final order
Status: in_force

(1) The operator of any geothermal well shall within 15 days from the date of the service of any order, either comply with the order or file with the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries a written statement that the order is not acceptable, and the reasons therefor, and the statement shall constitute an appeal from such order to the governing board of the department.

(2) Any final written order of the board may be appealed in the manner provided in ORS chapter 183 for appeals from final orders in contested cases. [1975 c.552 §25]

Source: Section 522.325 — Compliance with final order; appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.915 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.915
522.915 False entries, omissions, destruction or removal of records or reports
Status: in_force

No person shall:

(1) Make or cause to be made any false entry or statement in a report, record, log, account or other writing required by this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto;

(2) Omit or cause to be omitted from any such report, record, log, account or writing, full, true and correct entries as required by this chapter or any rule or order adopted pursuant thereto;

(3) Destroy, mutilate, alter or falsify any such report, record, log, account or writing; or

(4) Remove from this state the original copy of any such report, record, log, account or writing before the plugging and decommissioning of a geothermal well has been approved pursuant to ORS 522.245 (Department approval of plugging and decommissioning) (2). [1975 c.552 §28; 2009 c.794 §24]

Source: Section 522.915 — False entries, omissions, destruction or removal of records or reports , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.330 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.330
517.330 Accounting for fees
Status: in_force

All fees collected under ORS 517.290 (Fee for certificate) and 517.310 (Recording and indexing certificate) are the property of the county in which they are collected, and shall be accounted for by the officer collecting them as other recording fees are accounted for.

Source: Section 517.330 — Accounting for fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.485 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.485
522.485 Amendment of unitization plan
Status: in_force

Subject to the same conditions and limitations provided with respect to the creation of a unit, the following may occur:

(1) A unit area may be enlarged to include adjoining portions of the same geothermal resource area, including another unit area, and a new unit created for the unitized management, operation and development of the enlarged unit area; or

(2) The unitization plan may be otherwise amended, including, but not limited to, an amendment reducing unit area size. [1981 c.588 §16]

Source: Section 522.485 — Amendment of unitization plan , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.820 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.820
517.820 Extensions of time for submission of proposed reclamation plans
Status: in_force

(1) Upon good cause shown, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may grant reasonable extensions of time for the completion by the landowner or operator and the submission to the department of a proposed reclamation plan required by ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) . Each reclamation plan submitted to the department must provide that all reclamation activities shall be completed within three years after the termination of mineral extraction from the surface mining operation conducted within each separate area for which an operating permit is requested. Each such reclamation plan shall be approved by the department if it adequately provides for the reclamation of surface-mined lands.

(2) Prior to approving a proposed reclamation plan, the department shall consult with all other cooperating agencies and appropriate local planning authorities. [1971 c.719 §5; 1977 c.59 §2; 2007 c.318 §17; 2017 c.736 §4]

Source: Section 517.820 — Extensions of time for submission of proposed reclamation plans; time limit for reclamation completion; consultation with cooperating agencies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.260 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.260
523.260 Method of assessment
Status: in_force

The district board in adopting a method of assessment of the costs of the improvement may:

(1) Use any just and reasonable method of determining the extent of any improvement district consistent with the benefits derived.

(2) Use any method of apportioning the sum to be assessed as is just and reasonable between the properties determined to be specially benefited.

(3) Authorize payment by the district of all, or any part, of the cost of any such improvement, when in the opinion of the board the topographical or physical conditions, or unusual or excessive public travel, or other character of the work involved warrants only a partial payment or no payment by the benefited property of the costs of the improvement. [1975 c.782 §24]

Source: Section 523.260 — Method of assessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.832 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.832
517.832 Emergency operating permit
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) and 517.830 (Operating permit approval process) , the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may issue an emergency operating permit if:

(a) A natural disaster, including but not limited to a flood or an earthquake, or the effects of a natural disaster threaten significant damage to property or to natural resources; and

(b) A surface mining operation is necessary to abate the threat.

(2) The governing board of the department shall adopt rules governing the issuance of emergency operating permits. The rules shall include provisions:

(a) Ensuring that emergency operating permits are not issued over the objection of affected federal agencies or public bodies, as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) ;

(b) Specifying the terms of an emergency operating permit;

(c) Establishing procedures for converting an emergency operating permit to a standard operating permit; and

(d) Establishing procedures for payment of fees under ORS 517.800 (Fees) . [2005 c.34 §3]

Source: Section 517.832 — Emergency operating permit; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.720 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.720
517.720 Persons with operating permit exempted
Status: in_force

The provisions of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.740 (Rules) do not apply if the applicant has obtained an operating permit, described in ORS 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) , for the area described in the exploration permit. [Formerly 517.968; 1999 c.492 §13]

Source: Section 517.720 — Persons with operating permit exempted , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.015 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.015
523.015 Definitions for ORS 523.020
Status: in_force

For the purposes of ORS 523.020 (City as geothermal heating district) and this section, notwithstanding ORS 523.610 (Board) to 523.670 (Agreements between district and annexed or joined city) , “board,” as defined in ORS 523.010 (Definitions) , includes the governing body of a city. “District,” as defined in ORS 523.010 (Definitions) , includes an incorporated city. [1977 c.212 §1]

Note: 523.015 (Definitions for ORS 523.020) and 523.020 (City as geothermal heating district) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 523 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 523.015 — Definitions for ORS 523.020 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.640 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.640
523.640 Special election
Status: in_force

The board of commissioners at any regular meeting may call a special election of the electors of the district. [1975 c.782 §38]

Source: Section 523.640 — Special election , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.250 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.250
523.250 Order to carry out or abandon improvement after public hearing
Status: in_force

(1) At the time of the public hearing on the proposed improvement, if the written remonstrances represent less than the amount of property required to defeat the proposed improvement, if such an improvement is one that can be remonstrated against, then on the basis of such hearing of written remonstrances and oral objections, if any, the district board may, by motion, at the time of the hearing or within 60 days thereafter, order the improvement to be carried out in accordance with the resolution, or the district board may, on its own motion, abandon the improvement.

(2) After the public hearing on the proposed improvement and after the district board has moved to proceed with the improvement, it may pass an ordinance assessing the various lots, parcels of land or parts thereof, to be specially benefited with their apportioned share of the cost of the improvement; but the passage of an assessment ordinance may be delayed until the contract for the work is let, or until the improvement is completed and the total cost thereof is determined. [1975 c.782 §23]

Source: Section 523.250 — Order to carry out or abandon improvement after public hearing; assessment ordinance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.055 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.055
520.055 General jurisdiction and authority of board
Status: in_force

(1) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has jurisdiction and authority over all persons and property, including tidal submerged and submersible lands of this state under ORS 274.705 (Definitions for ORS 274.705 to 274.860) to 274.860 (Protection and location of filled lands) , necessary to enforce effectively this chapter and all other laws relating to the conservation of oil and gas.

(2) In addition to and not in lieu of any other powers granted under this chapter, the board may adopt rules and issue orders necessary to regulate geological, geophysical and seismic surveys on, and operations to remove sulfur from, the tidal submerged and submersible lands of this state under ORS 274.705 (Definitions for ORS 274.705 to 274.860) to 274.860 (Protection and location of filled lands) . [1953 c.667 §4; subsection (2) enacted as 1961 c.619 §40; 1969 c.594 §57; 2007 c.672 §9]

Source: Section 520.055 — General jurisdiction and authority of board; tidal lands; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.810 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.810
517.810 Requirement for bond or security
Status: in_force

(1) Before issuing or reissuing an operating permit for any surface mining operation or issuing or reissuing an exploration permit for any exploration activity, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall require that the applicant for the permit file with it a bond or security acceptable to the department in a sum to be determined by the department but in an amount not to exceed the total cost for reclamation if the department were to perform the reclamation. The decision of the department may be appealed to the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries as provided in ORS chapter 183. The bond or security shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the reclamation plan and of the other requirements of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) and the rules adopted thereunder.

(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any public body, as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) .

(3) In lieu of the bond or other security required of the applicant in subsection (1) of this section, the department may accept a similar security from the landowner, equal to the estimated cost of reclamation as determined by the department in consultation with the operator or explorer. The decision of the department may be appealed to the governing board as provided in ORS chapter 183.

(4) In lieu of the bond required by subsection (1) of this section, the department may accept a blanket bond covering two or more surface mining sites or exploration projects operated by a single company, owned by a single landowner or operated by all members of an established trade association, in an amount, established by the department, not to exceed the amount of the bonds that would be required for separate sites.

(5) The governing board shall identify by rule the procedures for the determination of the amount of the bond or other security required of an applicant for an operating permit or exploration permit. The rules:

(a) Shall provide an opportunity for participation by the applicant as part of the procedures; and

(b) May allow for the amount of the bond to be calculated and adjusted based upon the total area expected to be in a disturbed condition in the following year as a result of the surface mining or exploration operation.

(6) Any deposit of moneys accepted and held by the department as a form of security pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be deposited in the Reclamation Guarantee Fund. [1971 c.719 §8; 1975 c.724 §4; 1979 c.435 §5; 1983 c.497 §1; 1985 c.291 §1a; 1985 c.292 §9; 1987 c.361 §5; 1989 c.347 §11; 1999 c.492 §3; 2005 c.34 §6; 2015 c.834 §4]

Source: Section 517.810 — Requirement for bond or security; rules; other security in lieu of bond , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.280 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.280
523.280 Notice of assessment to property owners
Status: in_force

Within 10 days after the ordinance levying assessments is adopted, the secretary of the district shall send by registered or certified mail a notice of assessment to the owner of the assessed property, and shall publish notice of the assessment twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the district, the first publication of which shall be made not later than 10 days after the date of the assessment ordinance. The notice of assessment shall recite the date of the assessment ordinance and shall state that upon the failure of the owner of the property assessed to make application to pay the assessment in installments within 10 days from the date of the first publication of notice, or upon the failure of the owner to pay the assessment in full within 30 days after the date of the assessment ordinance, then interest will commence to run on the assessment and the property assessed will be subject to foreclosure. The notice shall also set forth a description of the property assessed, the name of the owner of the property and the amount of each assessment. [1975 c.782 §26]

Source: Section 523.280 — Notice of assessment to property owners; publication; contents , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.860 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.860
517.860 Effect of failure to comply with operating permit or reclamation plan
Status: in_force

(1) If, from inspections conducted pursuant to ORS 517.850 (Inspection of permit area) or from any other source, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries determines that the operator has not complied with or is not complying with the operating permit, the reclamation plan, the provisions of this chapter or the rules of the department, the department may issue either or both of the following to the operator:

(a) Written notice of the violation. The notice shall specifically outline the deficiencies.

(b) A compliance order. The order may specify a date by which the operator shall rectify any deficiencies. The department may extend the period if delays occasioned for causes beyond the operator’s control necessitate more time, but only when the operator is, in the opinion of the department, making a reasonable effort to comply with the order.

(2) The department may recover against the bond or alternative form of financial security and reclaim the area affected by surface mining if the department determines that an operator:

(a) Has failed to comply with a department order issued under subsection (1) of this section;

(b) Fails to complete reclamation in conformance with the reclamation plan on any segment of the permitted site or fails to complete reclamation in a timely manner; or

(c) Fails to maintain an operating permit and pay all fees required under ORS 517.800 (Fees) .

(3) If the department makes a claim on the bond or security filed pursuant to ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) , the surety on the bond or holder of the other security shall pay to the department the amount of the bond or other security required. The department may reclaim the surface-mined land in a manner determined by the department, including by public or private contractor. If the amount is not paid within 30 days, the Attorney General, upon request of the department, shall institute proceedings to recover the amount.

(4) If the landowner has given security as provided in ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) (3) and the operator is in default as specified in subsection (2) of this section, the landowner shall be held responsible for complying with the reclamation plan of the operator. The department shall furnish written notice of the default to the landowner and require the landowner to complete the reclamation as specified in the operator’s reclamation plan acceptable to the department. If the landowner has not commenced action to rectify the deficiencies within 30 days after receiving notice, or if the landowner fails to diligently pursue reclamation in conformance with the plan, the department may demand payment of the amount of the bond or other security from the surety or other holder and otherwise proceed as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.

(5) The department, in performing reclamation of surface-mined land, shall pursue a goal for reclamation designed to:

(a) Remove hazards;

(b) Protect from drainage problems and from pollution;

(c) Meet local land use requirements for reclamation; and

(d) Comply with all federal and state laws.

(6) The department may delay, for a reasonable time not to exceed one year, all or part of any reclamation activities if the department determines that it is likely that:

(a) Marketable mineral reserves exist at the permitted site; and

(b) A new operator will seek an operating permit for the site and assume all reclamation responsibilities. [1971 c.719 §10; 1975 c.724 §6; 1977 c.59 §3; 1983 c.497 §2; 1985 c.291 §3; 1997 c.183 §1; 1999 c.353 §6; 1999 c.492 §5; 2007 c.318 §11]

Source: Section 517.860 — Effect of failure to comply with operating permit or reclamation plan; department may perform work and assess costs against bond or security , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.525 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.525
522.525 Land subject to board authority
Status: in_force

Board authority applies to all private, municipal, state and federal land in the state which is subject to the state’s regulatory authority. When land subject to federal jurisdiction is committed to a unit agreement or cooperative agreement the board may suspend the operation of this chapter or any provision of this chapter if:

(1) The unit operation is regulated by the United States; and

(2) The unit agreement prevents waste and encourages maximum economic development of the resource. [1981 c.588 §20]

Source: Section 522.525 — Land subject to board authority; federal lands , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.725 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.725
517.725 Department inspection of exploration site
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may inspect the exploration site prior to initiation of exploration to review the existing environmental conditions, assess impacts of the proposed exploration and establish the amount of financial assurance required.

(2) The department may inspect lands not later than 60 days following notification by the person conducting the exploration that reclamation is complete. If the department determines that the reclamation complies with the approved reclamation plan, including establishment of vegetation, the department may release the bond or other security required by ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) within 60 days of that determination.

(3) The department is authorized to inspect any ongoing exploration site in order to establish compliance with ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.755 (Mining operations affecting more than five acres) , 517.790 (Operating permit required for surface mining on certain lands) , 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) , 517.910 (Definitions for ORS 517.910 to 517.989) and 517.920 (Permit application fees under ORS 517.910 to 517.989) . [Formerly 517.970]

Source: Section 517.725 — Department inspection of exploration site , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.435 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.435
522.435 Rule, order to supersede previous board action
Status: in_force

Any rule adopted or order entered under ORS 522.405 (Unitization) shall supersede any right or privilege previously granted by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries to the same person or state or local governing body, special district or agency with respect to the reservoir. [1981 c.588 §11]

Source: Section 522.435 — Rule, order to supersede previous board action , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.165 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.165
522.165 Request for permit modification
Status: in_force

(1) A permittee must make a request to modify a permit before changing the location, number or designation specified for any geothermal well or before undertaking to alter in any manner the casing of a geothermal well.

(2) A request to modify a permit under this section, except for changes to a well name, shall be accompanied by the nonrefundable fee specified in ORS 522.115 (Permit) . [1975 c.552 §10; 2009 c.794 §16]

Source: Section 522.165 — Request for permit modification; fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.915 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.915
517.915 Additional operating permit requirements for nonaggregate mineral mines
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to any other provision of law, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall not issue an operating permit until:

(a) The department has received a reclamation plan that contains but is not limited to:

(A) A description of the proposed mining operation;

(B) A description of what is to be mined;

(C) The present use of the land, the planned subsequent beneficial use of the land and a list of plant species to be established;

(D) The measures that will adequately conserve the quantity and quality of the affected aquifers;

(E) A description of any toxic or radioactive materials known to be present in the ore, spoil, tailings, overburden or any other material involved in the mining operation and their approximate concentrations;

(F) A description of how the materials described in subparagraph (E) of this paragraph will be handled during mining and reclamation;

(G) Environmental baseline information as may be required by the department; and

(H) The name and address of the landowner, the owner of the surface estate, the operator and any parent corporations of the operator.

(b) The department has received a performance bond as it may require.

(c) The department finds that reclamation is possible and that the reclamation plan as approved will achieve the reclamation of affected lands.

(2) If the department finds that reclamation cannot be accomplished, it shall not issue an operating permit.

(3) The department shall obtain, whenever possible, a list of plant species suitable for reseeding in the area pursuant to a reclamation plan and comments on the feasibility of permanent revegetation from the soil and water conservation district in which the mined land is situated.

(4) The department shall consult with affected public bodies, as defined in ORS 174.109 (“Public body” defined) , regarding the feasibility of reclamation, with particular attention to possible impacts on ground water aquifers. [1981 c.622 §§4,5,9; 1985 c.292 §18; 1987 c.361 §3; 2013 c.371 §3]

Source: Section 517.915 — Additional operating permit requirements for nonaggregate mineral mines; denial of permit if reclamation not possible , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.834 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.834
517.834 Temporary operating permit
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) and 517.830 (Operating permit approval process) , the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may issue a temporary operating permit to a person if:

(a) After consultation, the local jurisdiction with land use authority over the permitted site does not raise substantive objections to the issuance of the permit;

(b) All cooperating agencies approve of the permit issuance; and

(c) There is no objection from persons owning property adjacent to the permitted site.

(2) A temporary operating permit issued under this section is subject to reasonable limitations that may be prescribed by the department.

(3) Within 30 days after issuing the temporary operating permit, the operator shall:

(a) Comply with the bond and security requirements established by ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) ;

(b) Pay any applicable fee pursuant to ORS 517.800 (Fees) ; and

(c) Submit a reclamation plan to the department.

(4) The governing board of the department shall adopt rules governing the issuance of temporary operating permits. The rules shall include provisions:

(a) Ensuring opportunities for notice and comment by federal agencies;

(b) Specifying the terms of a temporary operating permit; and

(c) Establishing procedures for converting a temporary operating permit to a standard operating permit. [2005 c.34 §4; 2017 c.736 §14]

Source: Section 517.834 — Temporary operating permit; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 520.017 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 520 / Section 520.017
520.017 Fees
Status: in_force

(1) The following fees are established under this chapter:

(a) The application fee for a permit to drill a well is $2,000.

(b) The fee to modify a well permit, information hole permit or seismic program permit is $2,000.

(c) The annual renewal fee for a well permit, information hole permit or seismic program permit is $1,160.

(d) The application fee for a permit to drill an information hole may not exceed $2,000 per five information holes drilled in a contiguous 640-acre area. The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall base the fee on the estimated cost of review and approval and the number and location of information holes to be drilled.

(e) The fee for approval of a seismic program may not exceed $2,000. The department shall base the fee on the estimated cost of review and approval.

(f) A permittee that requests to transfer a well permit, information hole permit or seismic program permit must pay a nonrefundable fee of $2,000 at the time of the request.

(2) The governing board of the department by rule may specify a schedule of fees for costs incurred by the department for activities related to field designation for purposes of this section.

(3) All moneys received by the department under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and deposited in the General Fund to the credit of the Geology and Mineral Industries Account established in ORS 516.070 (Geology and Mineral Industries Account) . [2007 c.672 §3; 2020 s.s.2 c.4 §6]

Source: Section 520.017 — Fees; rules; disposition of fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors520.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.130 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.130
517.130 Mineral trespass
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Bedrock sluice” means a wood or metal flume or trough that is permanently attached to the bedrock of the creek and is equipped with transverse riffles across the bottom of the unit and used to recover heavy mineral sands.

(b) “Deface” includes but is not limited to altering, pulling down, damaging or destroying.

(c) “Dredge” means a subsurface hose from 1.5 to 10 inches in diameter that is powered by an engine and is used to draw up auriferous material that is then separated in the sluice portion of the unit.

(d) “Flume” means a trough used to convey water.

(e) “Quartz mill” means a facility for processing ores or gravel.

(f) “Rocker box” means a unit constructed of a short trough attached to curved supports that allow the unit to be rocked from side to side.

(g) “Sluice box” means a portable unit constructed of a wood or metal flume or trough equipped with transverse riffles across the bottom of the unit and that is used to recover heavy mineral sands.

(2) A person commits the crime of mineral trespass if the person intentionally and without the permission of the claim holder:

(a) Enters a mining claim posted as required in ORS 517.010 (Location of mining claims upon veins or lodes) or 517.044 (Location of claims upon placer deposits) and disturbs, removes or attempts to remove any mineral from the claim site;

(b) Tampers with or disturbs a flume, rocker box, bedrock sluice, sluice box, dredge, quartz mill or other mining equipment at a posted mining claim; or

(c) Defaces a location stake, side post, corner post, landmark, monument or posted written notice within a posted mining claim.

(3) Mineral trespass is a Class C misdemeanor. [1999 c.354 §5]

Note: See note under 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) .

Source: Section 517.130 — Mineral trespass , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.075 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.075
522.075 Bond or security
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may not issue a permit for a prospect well until the applicant has provided a bond or alternative form of financial security as specified in rules adopted by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

(b) The amount of the bond or alternative form of financial security may not be less than $10,000 for each prospect well or not less than $50,000 for all prospect wells to be drilled.

(2) The bond or alternative form of financial security must be conditioned upon compliance with the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted and orders issued pursuant to this chapter and must secure the state against all losses, charges and expenses, including court costs and attorney fees, incurred by the state in obtaining such compliance.

(3) With the consent of the department, any bond or acceptable alternative form of financial security submitted pursuant to this section may be terminated or canceled. However, the department may not consent to the termination or cancellation of any bond or security until each prospect well covered by such bond or security has been properly and safely plugged and decommissioned pursuant to the plan required by the permit or until another bond or security for each well has been submitted and approved by the department. [1975 c.552 §4c; 1977 c.87 §1; 1979 c.163 §2; 1995 c.146 §1; 2009 c.794 §9]

Source: Section 522.075 — Bond or security; conditions; cancellation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.815 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.815
517.815 Reclamation bond pooling program
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may establish and administer a program that provides for the pooling of reclamation bonds to assist:

(a) An operator in complying with the reclamation bond requirements of ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) ;

(b) A person engaging in small mining operations or small exploration projects on federally managed lands to comply with financial guarantee requirements imposed by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-579) or regulations adopted to implement the Act under 43 U.S.C. 1740; or

(c) A person engaging in any form of mining or exploration to comply with bonding requirements imposed pursuant to county ordinance.

(2) The program must:

(a) Be designed to reduce the financial burden of obtaining a reclamation bond for mining or exploration.

(b) Require each person participating in the program to:

(A) Pay an amount into the pool each year that is actuarially determined to enable the program to be self-sustaining and pay for the costs of the department in administering the program;

(B) Execute an agreement, on a form provided by the department, to indemnify the pool for any claims made against the reclamation bond; and

(C) Provide security approved by the State Geologist, if the State Geologist considers security necessary to ensure against the possible forfeiture of the reclamation bond.

(c) Use the moneys in the pool to cover the bonded liability of persons participating in the program.

(d) Provide a limit on the total bonded liability of any person that may be covered under the program.

(e) Provide conditions for the release or forfeiture of bonds.

(f) Provide that a person that participates in the program has obtained security acceptable to the department as required by ORS 517.810 (Requirement for bond or security) .

(3) The department may adopt rules relating to the development and administration of the program established under this section. [2003 c.646 §2]

Note: 517.815 (Reclamation bond pooling program) was added to and made a part of 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 517.815 — Reclamation bond pooling program; requirements; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.465 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.465
522.465 Appointment of unit operator
Status: in_force

As part of a proposed rule or order designating a unit area and approving a unitization plan or as part of a unit agreement, the working interest owners under the agreement, within the time specified by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, shall appoint the unit operator. If the working interest owners do not make the appointment within the specified time, the board shall appoint the unit operator. [1981 c.588 §14]

Source: Section 522.465 — Appointment of unit operator , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.128 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.128
517.128 Restricting access to open mining area or mining claim prohibited
Status: in_force

A person may not attempt to restrict access to any open mining area or valid mining claim or to harass or interfere in any way with a person engaged in lawful mining activities. [1999 c.354 §4]

Note: See note under 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) .

Source: Section 517.128 — Restricting access to open mining area or mining claim prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.355 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.355
522.355 Records of well
Status: in_force

(1) The operator of any geothermal well shall keep, or cause to be kept, a careful and accurate log, core record and history of the drilling of the well.

(2) The log referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall show the character and depth of each formation encountered in the drilling of the well; the amount, size and weight of casing used; and the location, depth and temperature of water-bearing strata, including the temperature, chemical composition and other chemical and physical characteristics of fluid encountered from time to time, so far as determined.

(3) The core record referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall show the depth, character and fluid content of cores obtained, so far as determined from the study and analysis thereof.

(4) The history referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall show the location and amount of sidetracked casings, tools or other material; the depth and quantity of cement in cement plugs; the shots of dynamite or other explosives used; the results of production and other tests during drilling operations; and completion data.

(5) The log referred to in subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be kept in the local office of the operator and, together with the tour reports of the operator, shall be subject, during business hours, to inspection by the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, or the department.

(6) The operator of any geothermal well shall, in addition to furnishing the log, records, and tests required by this section, collect representative drill cuttings. The operator shall additionally, in the event cores are taken, collect representative core samples. The drill cuttings and core samples shall be filed with the department promptly upon completion or upon its written request, and upon plugging and decommissioning or upon suspension of operations for a period of at least six months. [1975 c.552 §26; 1977 c.87 §4; 2009 c.794 §22]

Source: Section 522.355 — Records of well; contents; drill cutting and core samples , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.535 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.535
522.535 Fees
Status: in_force

(1) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall establish reasonable fees by rule pursuant to ORS chapter 183 for the purpose of the development and administration of a unit agreement to be paid by all persons or state or local governing bodies, special districts or agencies with a royalty interest in that unitized development. The fee schedule shall recognize the reduced workload involved in review of a voluntary unit agreement that complies with this chapter.

(2) When a person or state or local governing body, special district or agency with a royalty interest fails to pay a fee imposed by the board under ORS 522.545 (Rulemaking authority) or this section, the board may require that the fee be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the unit production attributable to that interest. [1981 c.588 §21]

Source: Section 522.535 — Fees; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.961 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.961
517.961 Notice of intent to submit application
Status: in_force

A prospective applicant for a mining operation permit shall file with the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries a notice of intent to submit an application and post copies of the notice along the perimeter of the location of the proposed operation. The posting shall be sufficient to inform the public of the intended action and a legal description of the proposed mining operation location and shall comply with requirements adopted by rule by the governing board of the department. [1991 c.735 §8; 2013 c.371 §12]

517.962 [1989 c.347 §3; renumbered 517.705 (Exploration permit) in 1991]

Source: Section 517.961 — Notice of intent to submit application; posting of notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.410 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.410
523.410 Ad valorem taxation
Status: in_force

(1) A district may assess, levy and collect taxes in an amount each year not to exceed one-fourth of one percent (0.0025) of the real market value of all taxable property within the limits of the district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207 (Computation of real market value for taxing or bonding limitations) . The proceeds of the tax shall be applied by it in carrying out the objects and purposes of ORS 523.030 (Formation of geothermal heating districts) to 523.050 (Water and real property transactions) and 523.420 (Disposal of taxes levied by invalid district) to 523.490 (Issuance of bonds) and for the purpose of financing the employees’ retirement system.

(2) A district may annually also assess, levy and collect a special tax upon all such property in an amount sufficient to pay the yearly interest on bonds theretofore issued by the district and then outstanding, together with any portion of the principal of such bonds maturing within the year. The special tax shall be applied only in payment of interest and principal of bonds issued by the district, but the district may apply any funds it may have toward payment of principal and interest of any such bonds.

(3) Taxes shall be levied in each year and returned to the county officer whose duty it is to extend the tax roll by the time required by law for city taxes to be levied and returned.

(4) Taxes levied by the district shall become payable at the same time and be collected by the same officer who collects county taxes, and the proceeds shall be turned over to the district according to law. The county officer whose duty it is to extend the county levy shall extend the levy of the district in the same manner as city taxes are extended.

(5) Property is subject to sale for nonpayment of taxes levied by the district in like manner and with like effect as in the case of county and state taxes.

(6) For purposes of ad valorem taxation, a boundary change must be filed in final approved form with the county assessor and the Department of Revenue as provided in ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) . [1975 c.782 §10; 1991 c.459 §421; 2001 c.215 §16; subsection (6) of 2001 Edition enacted as 2001 c.138 §40]

Source: Section 523.410 — Ad valorem taxation; special tax; collection; enforcement; boundary changes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.978 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.978
517.978 Review of application
Status: in_force

(1) After the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries issues a notice to proceed, the consolidated application shall be considered complete unless:

(a) New information is available that could not have been presented at the time of the completeness hearing; or

(b) Additional information is necessary to allow the permitting or cooperating agencies to make a determination regarding whether to issue or deny a permit or to issue the permit with conditions attached.

(2) The permitting and cooperating agencies may continue to review an application while in the process of requesting additional information. However, the department shall conduct an additional public hearing under ORS 517.977 (Preparation of draft permits) if the agencies determine that additional information is significant to the issuance or denial of a permit. [1991 c.735 §16]

Source: Section 517.978 — Review of application; additional information , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.440 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.440
517.440 Lessee, licensee, or operator of mine deemed bailee of yield until payment of lessor and workers
Status: in_force

Any lessee, licensee, or person other than the owner, who operates or works a mine, lode, mining claim, or deposit yielding metal or mineral of any kind, has custody and control of whatever metal or mineral may be produced in such operation or work, as bailee only and not as owner, until the sum due the lessor is paid and the wages due from such lessee to the lessor or to any worker who has performed labor under contract of service on, in or about such mine, lode, mining claim, or deposit are wholly paid.

Source: Section 517.440 — Lessee, licensee, or operator of mine deemed bailee of yield until payment of lessor and workers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.155 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.155
522.155 Liability for failure to protect ground water and surface water
Status: in_force

In addition to any other liability imposed by law, the operator of a geothermal well shall be liable to any person or public agency that sustains damages from failure of the operator to comply with:

(1) A condition in a permit requiring the operator to provide for the protection of ground water in the area affected by the well; or

(2) Any rules of the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries establishing standards for blowout prevention, equipment and casing design and removal, and any other procedures necessary to shut out detrimental substances from strata containing ground or surface water usable for beneficial purposes. [1975 c.552 §9; 2009 c.794 §15]

Source: Section 522.155 — Liability for failure to protect ground water and surface water; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.065 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.065
517.065 Effect of noncompliance with law in locating claim
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to ORS 517.060 (Correcting defective notice of location) , all locations or attempted locations of quartz mining claims subsequent to December 31, 1898, that do not comply with ORS 517.010 (Location of mining claims upon veins or lodes) and 517.030 (Recording copy of location notice) are void.

(2) Except as provided in ORS 517.060 (Correcting defective notice of location) , all locations or attempted locations of placer mining claims made after August 9, 1961, that do not comply with the provisions of ORS 517.042 (“Legal subdivision” defined for ORS 517.042 to 517.052) to 517.052 (Recording copy of location notice) are void. [Subsection (1) formerly 517.050; subsection (2) enacted as 1961 c.525 §6]

Source: Section 517.065 — Effect of noncompliance with law in locating claim , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 523.050 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 523 / Section 523.050
523.050 Water and real property transactions
Status: in_force

A geothermal heating district may purchase, sell and hold interests in water and real property in carrying out the objects of the district. A district also has the right to purchase or obtain from cities or other geothermal heating districts, geothermal heat, or an interest in geothermal heat, or an interest in a geothermal heat pipeline owned or operated by a city or other geothermal heating district, or to obtain jointly with a city or other geothermal heating district, any right, or to lay and own individually or jointly with any city or other geothermal heating district, any geothermal heat pipeline for the purposes specified in ORS 523.030 (Formation of geothermal heating districts) . [1975 c.782 §5; 2003 c.802 §129]

Source: Section 523.050 — Water and real property transactions; right to obtain geothermal heat from other sources , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors523.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.475 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.475
522.475 Board review of disputes over unit operation
Status: in_force

(1) Any disagreement with respect to the unit operation between persons or between persons and state or local governing bodies, special districts or agencies owning any interest in the geothermal resources in a unit area, or between persons or state and local governing bodies, special districts or agencies owning an interest in geothermal resources in a unit area and a unit operator, including a dispute over replacement of a unit operator, may be submitted to the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries for its review and decision.

(2) The board decision under this section may be appealed to the Court of Appeals. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date of the board’s decision. [1981 c.588 §15]

Source: Section 522.475 — Board review of disputes over unit operation; appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.917 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.917
517.917 Activation of project coordinating committee
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of an application for an operating permit subject to ORS 517.915 (Additional operating permit requirements for nonaggregate mineral mines) to mine a significant mineral resource site, the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall activate a project coordinating committee as defined in ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) . The project coordinating committee shall be composed as provided in, and shall carry out the responsibilities as set forth in, ORS 517.965 (Project coordinating committee) . [2017 c.736 §11]

Source: Section 517.917 — Activation of project coordinating committee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.215 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.215
522.215 Suspension of drilling or operation
Status: in_force

(1) No operator shall suspend drilling or operation of a geothermal well without obtaining permission from the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

(2) The department may authorize an operator to suspend for a specific period operations or remove equipment from an uncompleted geothermal well upon such terms as the department may specify, upon written application of the operator and an affidavit showing good cause therefor.

(3) Within a period of six months from the ending date specified for such suspension, the operator may make written application for an extension of suspension and file it with an affidavit showing good cause for such an extension. Upon a finding that the extension is merited, the governing board of the department may extend the suspension for an additional specific period.

(4) If, after suspension, operations are not resumed by the operator within six months from the ending date specified for the suspension or extension thereof, an intention to abandon and unlawful abandonment shall be presumed.

(5) Whenever an operator whose operations have been suspended fails to comply with such terms as the department may specify in its authorization, the geothermal well shall be presumed unlawfully abandoned. A well shall also be deemed unlawfully abandoned, if, without notice to the department, any drilling or producing equipment is removed.

(6) An unlawful abandonment shall be declared by order of the board, and written notice thereof shall be mailed by registered mail or by certified mail with return receipt both to such operator at the last-known post-office address of the operator, to the registered agent of the operator, if any, and to the operator’s sureties.

(7) After declaration of unlawful abandonment, the board may proceed against the operator and the surety of the operator as provided for in ORS 522.145 (Bond or security) and may bring suit pursuant to ORS 522.810 (Suits to enjoin violations) or take any other enforcement or recovery action authorized by law. [1975 c.552 §16; 1981 c.694 §9; 1991 c.249 §39; 2009 c.794 §19]

Source: Section 522.215 — Suspension of drilling or operation; application; terms; extension; presumption of abandonment; unlawful abandonment; notice; proceedings against operator , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.837 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.837
517.837 Annual report by permittee
Status: in_force

A person holding an operating permit issued pursuant to ORS 517.830 (Operating permit approval process) shall, no later than March 31 of each year, file an annual report with the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. The governing board of the department shall adopt rules describing the information relating to the permit and operations under the permit that must be included in the annual report. [2005 c.34 §2]

Source: Section 517.837 — Annual report by permittee; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.310 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.310
517.310 Recording and indexing certificate
Status: in_force

The certificate given by the county clerk shall be recorded in the office of the officer issuing it, upon payment of the fee established under ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) . The officer shall record and index the certificates in the Mineral and Mining Record. Such indexing and recording shall have the same force and effect as the indexing and recording of deeds to other real property, and shall give like constructive notice. [Amended by 1999 c.654 §35]

Source: Section 517.310 — Recording and indexing certificate; fee; effect , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.405 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.405
522.405 Unitization
Status: in_force

(1) When two or more separately owned tracts of land are within an area under which a reservoir is located or reasonably believed to be located, or when there are separately owned interests in all or part of such an area, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, upon its own motion may or upon the application of an interested person or state or local governmental governing body, special district or agency, shall review the need for unitization of the area. The board by rule or order may require the development of a unit agreement for the geothermal resource area if it finds:

(a) Unitized management, operation and development of the geothermal resources in a reservoir is necessary to increase the ultimate recovery of the resources;

(b) The application of unitized methods of operation will prevent waste and aid efficient production and utilization of the resource; or

(c) Unitization and the unitized method of operation are in the public interest and reasonably necessary to protect the correlative rights of owners.

(2) When the board requires the development of a unit agreement under this section, it shall encourage the development of a voluntary agreement between the affected parties. In the absence of a voluntary agreement, the board shall itself develop or cause to be developed a unit agreement that satisfies the provisions of ORS 273.775 (Definitions for ORS 273.775 to 273.790) , 308A.050 (Legislative intent) to 308A.128 (Certain district assessments inapplicable to exclusive farm use zone farmland) , 522.005 (Definitions) , 522.015 (Policy) , 522.405 (Unitization) to 522.545 (Rulemaking authority) , 522.815 (Rules by board) and 522.990 (Penalties) . In adopting a rule or entering an order for a unit agreement, the board shall consider any plant dedicated area agreement in effect and shall not contravene or interfere with that agreement unless it finds that a term or condition of that agreement violates the policies stated in ORS 522.015 (Policy) . The board shall require the development of the resource in accordance with a proposed unit agreement if it finds that the agreement conforms with the provisions of ORS 273.775 (Definitions for ORS 273.775 to 273.790) , 308A.050 (Legislative intent) to 308A.128 (Certain district assessments inapplicable to exclusive farm use zone farmland) , 522.005 (Definitions) , 522.015 (Policy) , 522.405 (Unitization) to 522.545 (Rulemaking authority) , 522.815 (Rules by board) and 522.990 (Penalties) .

(3) The development of a unit agreement under subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be conducted as a rulemaking proceeding in accordance with ORS chapter 183 unless an interested party requests that it be conducted as a contested case in accordance with ORS chapter 183. In either event, notice shall be given in accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183.

(4) As used in this section, “plant dedicated area agreement” means a contractual relationship in geothermal energy development between a geothermal resource owner and a customer which makes a specific surface area and related resource base available exclusively to that customer. [1981 c.588 §8; 1999 c.314 §75]

Source: Section 522.405 — Unitization; development of unit agreement; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.290 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.290
517.290 Fee for certificate
Status: in_force

The certificate described in ORS 517.280 (Certificate of ownership) shall not be issued until the co-owners entitled to it pay to the clerk a fee as set by ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) . [Amended by 1971 c.621 §35; 1975 c.607 §38; 1979 c.833 §33; 1991 c.230 §31]

Source: Section 517.290 — Fee for certificate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.205 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.205
522.205 Notice by prospective operator of transfer or purchase of well
Status: in_force

(1) Except as excluded from the provisions of this section by rule of the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, any prospective operator of a geothermal well shall notify the department in such form as the department may direct of the purchase, assignment, transfer, conveyance or exchange of the well within 45 days of the purchase and shall accompany such notice with an application for transfer of the permit for the particular well. The application must include the transfer fee specified in ORS 522.115 (Permit) .

(2) Any buyer of land on which a geothermal well is located shall notify the department of the purchase, assignment, transfer, conveyance or exchange of the land upon which such well is situated within 45 days of such purchase. [1975 c.552 §15; 2009 c.794 §18]

Source: Section 522.205 — Notice by prospective operator of transfer or purchase of well; application; fee; notice by buyer of land of transfer or purchase; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.365 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.365
522.365 Filing record with department
Status: in_force

(1) Each operator of any geothermal well or the designated agent of the operator shall file with the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries a copy of the log, history and core record, or any portion thereof, promptly upon completion, or upon the written request of the department at any time after the commencement of the work of drilling any geothermal well, and upon plugging and decommissioning or upon suspension of operations for a period of at least six months.

(2) For a period of four years after the receipt of any log, history, core record, or any portion thereof, such record shall be exempt from disclosure as a trade secret pursuant to ORS 192.345 (Public records conditionally exempt from disclosure) unless the operator gives approval to release the data. [1975 c.552 §27; 2009 c.794 §23]

Source: Section 522.365 — Filing record with department; exemption from disclosure , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.100 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.100
517.100 Sums payable on redemption of claim
Status: in_force

In case of redemption from sale under judgment, the redemptioner shall pay such sums as are now required by law for redemption under execution sale, and such additional sum as may have been expended upon the property so redeemed by the purchaser under execution, or the assigns of the purchaser, in order to keep alive the possessory right thereto after the execution sale, not exceeding $100 for each claim, with 10 percent interest thereon from date of such expenditures. [Amended by 2003 c.576 §466]

Source: Section 517.100 — Sums payable on redemption of claim; interest , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.775 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.775
517.775 Permit fee for certain landowners and operators
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 517.770 (Exemptions from reclamation requirements) :

(1) Any landowner or operator conducting surface mining on July 1, 1972, shall pay the permit fee as provided in ORS 517.800 (Fees) ; and

(2) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall require the landowner or operator to complete erosion stabilization upon completion of mining at a mining operation exempt from reclamation under ORS 517.770 (Exemptions from reclamation requirements) . [1971 c.719 §17; 1979 c.435 §4; 1985 c.292 §17; 1987 c.260 §3; 1987 c.361 §2; 1999 c.492 §2; 2009 c.270 §2]

Source: Section 517.775 — Permit fee for certain landowners and operators; erosion stabilization at mining operations exempt from reclamation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.044 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.044
517.044 Location of claims upon placer deposits
Status: in_force

Any individual, a citizen of the United States, or one who has declared an intention to become such, who discovers a placer deposit of minerals upon the unappropriated public domain of the United States within this state, which minerals are subject to location under the mineral and mining laws of the United States, may locate a placer claim thereon by posting in a conspicuous place thereon a notice of such discovery and location. The notice shall contain:

(1) The name of the claim.

(2) The name of the individual or individuals locating the claim.

(3) The date of the location of the claim.

(4) The number of feet or acres claimed, together with a description, either by legal subdivisions, if practicable, or if not, then by reference to some natural object or permanent monument in the vicinity of the claim, which will identify the claim located. [1961 c.525 §2]

Source: Section 517.044 — Location of claims upon placer deposits; posting notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.958 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.958
517.958 Compliance with preapplication process
Status: in_force

Any person proposing to conduct a mining operation shall comply with the requirements for the preapplication process set forth in ORS 517.961 (Notice of intent to submit application) to 517.969 (Collection of baseline data) . The purpose of such process shall be to identify significant issues to be addressed in the consolidated application process set forth in ORS 517.971 (Consolidated application) to 517.987 (Reclamation bond or security) . [1991 c.735 §6; 2013 c.371 §10]

Source: Section 517.958 — Compliance with preapplication process; purpose , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.890 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.890
517.890 Review of final determination
Status: in_force

Any final determinations made by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries in carrying out the provisions of ORS 517.702 (Legislative findings) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder may be reviewed in the manner provided by the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183. [1971 c.719 §13; 1985 c.292 §13; 1999 c.492 §8]

Source: Section 517.890 — Review of final determination , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.115 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.115
522.115 Permit
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not engage in the drilling or operating of any geothermal well except in compliance with a permit issued by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under this section.

(2) An application for a permit to drill or operate a geothermal well must include:

(a) The location and elevation of the floor of the proposed derrick.

(b) The number or other designation approved by the department by which the well shall be known.

(c) The applicant’s estimate of the depths to be drilled.

(d) The nature and character of the geothermal resource sought.

(e) A reclamation plan for the well pad.

(f) Such other information as the department by rule may require to assess the impact of the proposed geothermal well.

(g) A nonrefundable fee of $2,000.

(3) The permittee shall pay an annual nonrefundable renewal fee of $2,725 on or before the anniversary of each active permit.

(4) A request by a permittee to modify a permit shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee not to exceed $2,000.

(5) A request by a permittee to transfer a permit issued under this section must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $2,000.

(6) All moneys received by the department under this section shall be paid into the State Treasury and deposited in the General Fund to the credit of the Geology and Mineral Industries Account established by ORS 516.070 (Geology and Mineral Industries Account) . [1975 c.552 §5; 1977 c.87 §2; 1991 c.526 §3; 2009 c.794 §11; 2020 s.s.2 c.4 §9]

Source: Section 522.115 — Permit; application; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.967 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.967
517.967 Technical review team
Status: in_force

(1) A technical review team shall be composed of representatives from the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and each permitting agency and cooperating agency. The technical review team shall:

(a) Establish methodology guidelines to be followed in the collection of baseline data;

(b) Coordinate with the applicant the use of baseline data collection methodologies as approved by the permitting and cooperating agencies; and

(c) Determine whether the mining operation as proposed in the consolidated application complies with ORS 517.956 (Requirements for mining operations) and any other applicable requirements for a permit listed under ORS 517.971 (Consolidated application) .

(2) Each permitting agency and cooperating agency shall designate an appropriate staff member to serve on the technical review team. [1991 c.735 §11; 2013 c.371 §15]

Source: Section 517.967 — Technical review team , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 516.080 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 516 / Section 516.080
516.080 Governing board
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall be administered by a governing board composed of five citizens of Oregon appointed by the Governor.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term. The term of a board member shall continue until a successor has been appointed and confirmed.

(b) All appointments shall be made subject to approval by the Senate in the manner provided in ORS 171.562 (Procedures for confirmation) and 171.565 (Vote required for confirmation) .

(3) The board shall hold meetings four times each year and special meetings may be called by the chairperson or by a majority of the board.

(4) Each member of the board is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 (Compensation and expenses of members of state boards and commissions) .

(5) A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(6) The members of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries governing board must be citizens of this state. The members chosen shall, to the greatest extent possible, represent all geographic regions of the state. [Amended by 1961 c.167 §42; 1969 c.314 §61; 1969 c.695 §11; 1983 c.740 §204a; 1993 c.260 §5; 2001 c.75 §1]

Source: Section 516.080 — Governing board; members; term; confirmation; meetings; compensation and expenses; quorum , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors516.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.123 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.123
517.123 Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly finds that prospecting, small scale mining and recreational mining:

(1) Are important parts of the heritage of the State of Oregon; and

(2) Provide economic benefits to the state and local communities. [1999 c.354 §2; 2013 c.783 §10]

Note: See note under 517.120 (Definitions for ORS 517.120 to 517.133) .

Source: Section 517.123 — Legislative findings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.815 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.815
522.815 Rules by board
Status: in_force

(1) In accordance with the rulemaking provisions of ORS chapter 183, the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may adopt rules necessary to conserve geothermal resources or other natural resources, or to protect the environment, the correlative rights of any person having an ownership interest in the affected land or resource, or beneficial uses of water, or to accomplish the efficient and economical development of a geothermal reservoir. The rules shall include a description of the geothermal reservoir and the overlying land and may also include provisions for the following:

(a) Division of a geothermal reservoir into zones;

(b) Establishment of spacing units including a description of the location, size and shape of such spacing units;

(c) The integration of separately owned tracts or interests within a spacing unit for the development and operation of the spacing unit and the sharing of production therefrom;

(d) The protection of existing and future beneficial uses of water;

(e) Maintaining the renewability of geothermal resources and any other natural resources; and

(f) Any additional provisions the board deems necessary for carrying out the provisions of this chapter or for protecting the public health, safety and welfare.

(2) Any rule adopted under this section may in the board’s discretion supersede any right or privilege previously granted by or previously entered by the board with respect to such reservoir and may be amended in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of ORS chapter 183 as appears necessary to the board to further the policy stated in ORS 522.015 (Policy) .

(3) Any proceeding under this section shall be conducted as a rulemaking proceeding in accordance with ORS chapter 183 unless an interested party requests that it be conducted as a contested case in accordance with ORS chapter 183. In either event, notice shall be given in accordance with the requirements of ORS chapter 183. Notice shall always be given to the following persons:

(a) Any operator who has a drilling permit issued pursuant to ORS 522.135 (Permit) or has a legal right to operate a completed geothermal well in the geothermal reservoir; and

(b) Any person who has an ownership interest in the geothermal reservoir. [1975 c.552 §43; 1981 c.588 §5; 1981 c.694 §11]

Source: Section 522.815 — Rules by board; scope; adoption; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 522.990 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 522 / Section 522.990
522.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

Subject to ORS 153.022 (Authority of agency to specify rule violation as particular level of violation) , violation of any provision of this chapter or of any rule or order of the governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries made thereunder, excluding ORS 522.405 (Unitization) to 522.545 (Rulemaking authority) and any rule promulgated thereunder, is a Class B misdemeanor. [1971 c.776 §42; 1975 c.552 §31; 1981 c.588 §6; 1999 c.1051 §316; 2011 c.597 §222]

Source: Section 522.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors522.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.988 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.988
517.988 Permit conditions by State Department of Fish and Wildlife
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall develop conditions for the protection of fish and wildlife resources that shall be included in any permit issued by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries under the process established under ORS 517.952 (Definitions for ORS 517.952 to 517.989) to 517.989 (Rules applicable to consolidated application) .

(2) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall have the right of ingress and egress to and from a mine operating under a permit that includes conditions imposed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, doing no unnecessary injury to the property of the mine operator, to determine whether the operator is complying with such conditions. If the State Department of Fish and Wildlife determines that a violation has occurred, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall inform the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries of the violation and the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries shall cooperate with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to take appropriate enforcement action. [1991 c.735 §24b; 2013 c.371 §23]

Note: 517.988 (Permit conditions by State Department of Fish and Wildlife) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 517 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 517.988 — Permit conditions by State Department of Fish and Wildlife; violations of State Department of Fish and Wildlife conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.070 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.070
517.070 Certain locations subject to prior rights
Status: in_force

Any location of any mining claim made upon any natural stream, or contiguous or near to any placer mine, or upon or below the dump of any placer mine, shall be subject to the prior right of all mines in operation prior to the making of such location, to discharge debris, gravel, earth, and slickens which were or may be discharged at the time of making such subsequent location.

Source: Section 517.070 — Certain locations subject to prior rights , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 517.836 — OR Code / Title 43 / Chapter 517 / Section 517.836
517.836 Surveying or marking surface mining operations
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries may adopt rules requiring the surveying or marking of surface mining operations.

(b) The rules may include, but are not limited to, requirements for maps or diagrams showing areas excavated or approved for excavation, setbacks or buffers established by the operating permit and the location of buildings, wells, ponds, haul roads, stockpiles, bodies of water and floodways.

(c) The rules may require that information required under this subsection be updated if the mining operations are subject to:

(A) A notice of violation under ORS 517.860 (Effect of failure to comply with operating permit or reclamation plan) ;

(B) A suspension order under ORS 517.880 (Order for suspension of surface mining operation operating without required permit) ; or

(C) A significant modification of the operating permit or reclamation plan under ORS 517.831 (Modification of operating permit or reclamation plan) .

(d) The rules may exempt mining operations from survey or marking requirements based on the size or location of the operations or on the distance of the operations from ground and surface waters.

(e) The rules must allow for reasonable compliance schedules for existing mining operations.

(2) The governing board may adopt rules requiring surface mining operators to collect and report information relating to amount and nature of materials excavated or processed at a surface mining operation and the impacts of mining operations on ground or surface water. [2007 c.318 §4a]

Source: Section 517.836 — Surveying or marking surface mining operations; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors517.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).