(A) shall be for an initial term not longer 
than the shorter of— 
(i) the period necessary to accomplish 
the proposed mineral activities subject to 
the permit; and 
(ii) the length of time remaining on 
the applicant’s hardrock mining lease; 
(B) shall be renewed for an additional 10- 
year period if the operation is in compliance 
with the requirements of this Act and other ap-
plicable law; and 
(C) shall expire 5 years following the com-
mencement of a temporary cessation unless, 
prior to the expiration of the 5 years, the mine 
operator has filed with the Secretary a request 
for approval to resume operations. 
(2) FAILURE TO COMMENCE MINERAL ACTIVI-
TIES.—Failure by the operator to commence mineral 
activities within 2 years of the date scheduled in an 
operations permit shall require a modification of the 
permit if the Secretary concerned determines that 
modifications are necessary to comply with section 
111. 
(e) PERMIT MODIFICATION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00068
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(1) APPLICATION.—During the term of an op-
erations permit the operator may submit an applica-
tion to modify the permit (including the operations 
plan or reclamation plan). 
(2) MODIFICATION BY THE SECRETARY CON-
CERNED.—The Secretary concerned may, at any 
time, require reasonable modification to any oper-
ations plan or reclamation plan upon a determina-
tion that the requirements of this Act cannot be met 
if the plan is followed as approved. Such determina-
tion shall be based on a written finding and subject 
to public notice and hearing requirements estab-
lished by the Secretary concerned. 
(3) 
UNANTICIPATED
EVENTS
OR
CONDI-
TIONS.—A permit modification is required before 
changes are made to the approved plan of oper-
ations, or if unanticipated events or conditions exist 
on the mine site, including in the case of— 
(A) development of acid or toxic drainage; 
(B) loss of springs or water supplies; 
(C) water quantity, water quality, or other 
resulting water impacts that are significantly 
different than those predicted in the applica-
tion; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00069
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(D) the need for long-term water treat-
ment; 
(E) significant reclamation difficulties or 
reclamation failure; 
(F) the discovery of significant scientific, 
cultural, or biological resources that were not 
addressed in the original plan; or 
(G) the discovery of hazards to public safe-
ty. 
(f) TEMPORARY CESSATION OF OPERATIONS.— 
(1) SECRETARIAL
APPROVAL
REQUIRED.—An 
operator conducting mineral activities under an op-
erations permit in effect under this title may not 
temporarily cease mineral activities for a period 
greater than 180 days unless the Secretary con-
cerned has approved such temporary cessation or 
unless the temporary cessation is permitted under 
the original permit. 
(2) PREVIOUSLY
ISSUED
OPERATIONS
PER-
MITS.—Any operator temporarily ceasing mineral ac-
tivities for a period greater than 90 days under an 
operations permit issued before the date of the en-
actment of this Act shall submit, before the expira-
tion of such 90-day period, a complete application 
for temporary cessation of operations to the Sec-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00070
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
retary concerned for approval unless the temporary 
cessation is permitted under the original permit. 
(3) REQUIRED INFORMATION.—An application 
for approval of temporary cessation of operations 
shall include such information required under sub-
section (b) and any other provisions prescribed by 
the Secretary concerned to minimize impacts on the 
environment. After receipt of a complete application 
for temporary cessation of operations such Secretary 
shall conduct an inspection of the area for which 
temporary cessation of operations has been re-
quested. 
(4) CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL.—To approve 
an application for temporary cessation of operations, 
the Secretary concerned shall make each of the fol-
lowing determinations: 
(A) A determination that the methods for 
securing surface facilities and restricting access 
to the permit area, or relevant portions thereof, 
will effectively protect against hazards to the 
health and safety of the public and fish and 
wildlife. 
(B) A determination that reclamation is in 
compliance with the approved reclamation plan, 
except in those areas specifically designated in 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00071
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
the application for temporary cessation of oper-
ations for which a delay in meeting such stand-
ards is necessary to facilitate the resumption of 
operations. 
(C) A determination that the amount of fi-
nancial assurance filed with the permit applica-
tion is sufficient to assure completion of the 
reclamation activities identified in the approved 
reclamation plan in the event of forfeiture. 
(D) A determination that any outstanding 
notices of violation and cessation orders in-
curred in connection with the plan for which 
temporary cessation is being requested are ei-
ther stayed pursuant to an administrative or ju-
dicial appeal proceeding or are in the process of 
being abated to the satisfaction of the Secretary 
concerned. 
(g) PERMIT REVIEWS.—The Secretary concerned 
shall review each permit issued under this section every 
10 years during the term of such permit, and before ap-
proving the resumption of operations under subsection (f), 
such Secretary shall require the operator to take such ac-
tions as the Secretary deems necessary to assure that min-
eral activities conform to the permit, including adjustment 
of financial assurance requirements. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00072
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(h) 
TRANSFER, 
ASSIGNMENT, 
OR
SALE
OF 
RIGHTS.— 
(1) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—No transfer, assign-
ment, or sale of rights granted by a permit under 
this section shall be made without the prior written 
approval of the Secretary concerned. 
(2) CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.—The Secretary 
concerned may allow a person holding a permit to 
transfer, assign, or sell rights under the permit to 
a successor, if such Secretary finds, in writing, that 
the successor— 
(A) has submitted all required information 
and is eligible to receive a permit in accordance 
with section 305; 
(B) has submitted evidence of financial as-
surance satisfactory under section 306; and 
(C) meets any other requirements specified 
by such Secretary. 
(3) ASSUMED LIABILITY.—The successor in in-
terest shall assume the liability and reclamation re-
sponsibilities established by the existing permit and 
shall conduct the mineral activities in full compli-
ance with this Act, and the terms and conditions of 
the permit as in effect at the time of transfer, as-
signment, or sale. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00073
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(4) FEE.—Each application for approval of a 
permit transfer, assignment, or sale pursuant to this 
subsection shall be accompanied by a fee payable to 
the Secretary concerned in such amount as may be 
established by such Secretary. Such amount shall be 
equal to the actual or anticipated cost of reviewing 
and approving or disapproving such transfer, assign-
ment, or sale, as determined by such Secretary. 
(i) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.—The Secretary of the 
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly pro-
mulgate regulations to ensure transparency and public 
participation in permit decisions required under this Act, 
consistent with any requirements that apply to such deci-
sions under section 102 of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). 
SEC. 305. PERSONS INELIGIBLE FOR PERMITS. 
(a) CURRENT VIOLATIONS.—Unless corrective action 
has been taken in accordance with subsection (c), no per-
mit under this title shall be issued or transferred to an 
applicant if the applicant or any agent of the applicant, 
the operator (if different than the applicant), any claim, 
license, or lease holder (if different than the applicant) of 
the claim, license, or lease concerned, or any affiliate or 
officer or director of the applicant is currently in violation 
of any of the following: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00074
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(1) A provision of this Act or any regulation 
under this Act. 
(2) An applicable State or Federal toxic sub-
stance, solid waste, air, water quality, or fish and 
wildlife conservation law or regulation at any site 
where mining, beneficiation, or processing activities 
are occurring or have occurred. 
(3) The Surface Mining Control and Reclama-
tion Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) or any 
regulation implementing that Act at any site where 
surface coal mining operations have occurred or are 
occurring. 
(b) SUSPENSION.—The Secretary concerned shall 
suspend an operations permit, in whole or in part, if such 
Secretary determines that any of the entities described in 
subsection (a) were in violation of any requirement listed 
in subsection (a) at the time the permit was issued. 
(c) CORRECTION.— 
(1) 
REINSTATEMENT.—The 
Secretary 
con-
cerned may issue or reinstate a permit under this 
title if the applicant submits proof that the violation 
referred to in subsection (a) or (b) has been cor-
rected or is in the process of being corrected to the 
satisfaction of such Secretary and the regulatory au-
thority involved or if the applicant submits proof 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00075
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
that the violator has filed and is presently pursuing, 
a direct administrative or judicial appeal to contest 
the existence of the violation. For purposes of this 
section, an appeal of any applicant’s relationship to 
an affiliate shall not constitute a direct administra-
tive or judicial appeal to contest the existence of the 
violation. 
(2) 
CONDITIONAL
APPROVAL.—Any 
permit 
which is issued or reinstated based upon proof sub-
mitted under this subsection shall be conditionally 
approved or conditionally reinstated, as the case may 
be. If the violation is not successfully abated or the 
violation is upheld on appeal, the permit shall be 
suspended or revoked. 
(d) PATTERN OF WILLFUL VIOLATIONS.—No permit 
may be issued under this Act to any applicant if there 
is a demonstrated pattern of willful violations of the envi-
ronmental protection requirements of this Act by the ap-
plicant, any affiliate of the applicant, or the operator or 
claim, license, or lease holder if different than the appli-
cant. 
SEC. 306. FINANCIAL ASSURANCE. 
(a) FINANCIAL ASSURANCE REQUIRED.— 
(1) FORM OF ASSURANCE.—After a permit is 
issued under this title and before any exploration or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00076
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
operations begin under the permit, the operator shall 
file with the Secretary concerned evidence of finan-
cial assurance payable to the United States. The fi-
nancial assurance shall be provided in the form of a 
surety bond, a trust fund, letters of credits, govern-
ment securities, certificates of deposit, cash, or an 
equivalent form approved by such Secretary. 
(2) COVERED ACTIVITIES.—The financial assur-
ance shall cover all lands within the initial permit 
area and all affected waters that may require res-
toration, treatment, or other management as a re-
sult of mineral activities, and shall be extended to 
cover all lands and waters added pursuant to any 
permit modification made under section 303(e) or 
section 304(e), or affected by mineral activities. 
(b) AMOUNT.—The amount of the financial assur-
ance required under this section shall be sufficient to as-
sure the completion of reclamation and restoration satis-
fying the requirements of this Act if the work were to be 
performed by the Secretary concerned in the event of for-
feiture, including the construction and maintenance costs 
for any treatment facilities necessary to meet Federal and 
State environmental requirements. The calculation of such 
amount shall take into account the maximum level of fi-
nancial exposure which shall arise during the mineral ac-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00077
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
tivity and administrative costs associated with a govern-
ment agency reclaiming the site. 
(c) DURATION.—The financial assurance required 
under this section shall be held for the duration of the 
mineral activities and for an additional period to cover the 
operator’s responsibility for reclamation, restoration, and 
long-term maintenance, and effluent treatment as speci-
fied in subsection (g). 
(d) ADJUSTMENTS.—The amount of the financial as-
surance and the terms of the acceptance of the assurance 
may be adjusted by the Secretary concerned from time to 
time as the area requiring coverage is increased or de-
creased, or where the costs of reclamation or treatment 
change, or pursuant to section 304(f), but the financial 
assurance shall otherwise be in compliance with this sec-
tion. The Secretary concerned shall review the financial 
guarantee every 3 years and as part of the permit applica-
tion review under section 304(g). 
(e) RELEASE.—Upon request, and after notice and 
opportunity for public comment, and after inspection by 
the Secretary concerned, such Secretary may, after con-
sultation with the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency, release in whole or in part the financial 
assurance required under this section if the Secretary 
makes both of the following determinations: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00078
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
activities and all requirements of the operations plan 
and the reclamation plan, and all other requirements 
of this Act have been fully met, the remaining por-
tion of the financial assurance may be released. 
During the period following release of the financial assur-
ance as specified in paragraph (1), until the remaining 
portion of the financial assurance is released as provided 
in paragraph (2), the operator shall be required to comply 
with the permit issued under this title. 
(g) EFFLUENT.—Notwithstanding section 307(b)(4), 
where any discharge or other water-related condition re-
sulting from the mineral activities requires treatment in 
order to meet the applicable effluent limitations and water 
quality standards, the financial assurance shall include the 
estimated cost of maintaining such treatment for the pro-
jected period that will be needed after the cessation of 
mineral activities. The portion of the financial assurance 
attributable to such estimated cost of treatment shall not 
be released until the discharge has ceased for a period of 
5 years, as determined by ongoing monitoring and testing, 
or, if the discharge continues, until the operator has met 
all applicable effluent limitations and water quality stand-
ards for 5 full years without treatment. 
(h) ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS.—If the Secretary 
concerned determines, after final release of financial as-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00080
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
surance, that an environmental hazard resulting from the 
mineral activities exists, or the terms and conditions of 
the explorations or operations permit of this Act were not 
fulfilled in fact at the time of release, such Secretary shall 
issue an order under section 606 requiring the claim hold-
er or operator (or any person who controls the claim hold-
er or operator) to correct the condition such that applica-
ble laws and regulations and any conditions from the plan 
of operations are met. 
SEC. 307. OPERATION AND RECLAMATION. 
(a) GENERAL RULE.—(1) The operator shall restore 
lands subject to mineral activities carried out under a per-
mit issued under this title to a condition capable of sup-
porting— 
(A) the uses which such lands were capable of 
supporting prior to surface disturbance by the oper-
ator; or 
(B) other beneficial uses which conform to ap-
plicable land use plans as determined by the Sec-
retary concerned. 
(2) Reclamation shall proceed as contemporaneously 
as practicable with the conduct of mineral activities. In 
the case of a cessation of mineral activities beyond that 
provided for as a temporary cessation under this Act, rec-
lamation activities shall begin immediately. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00081
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(b) OPERATION AND RECLAMATION STANDARDS.— 
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agri-
culture shall jointly promulgate regulations that establish 
operation and reclamation standards for mineral activities 
permitted under this Act. The Secretaries may determine 
whether outcome-based performance standards or tech-
nology-based design standards are most appropriate. The 
regulations shall address the following: 
(1) Segregation, protection, and replacement of 
topsoil or other suitable growth medium, and the 
prevention, where possible, of soil contamination. 
(2) Maintenance of the stability of all surface 
areas. 
(3) Control of sediments to prevent erosion and 
manage drainage. 
(4) Minimization of the formation and migra-
tion of acidic, alkaline, metal-bearing, or other dele-
terious leachate. 
(5) Reduction of the visual impact of mineral 
activities to the surrounding topography, including 
as necessary pit backfill. 
(6) Establishment of a diverse, effective, and 
permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal va-
riety native to the area affected by mineral activities, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00082
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
and equal in extent of cover to the natural vegeta-
tion of the area. 
(7) Design and maintenance of leach oper-
ations, impoundments, and excess waste according to 
standard engineering standards to achieve and main-
tain stability and reclamation of the site. 
(8) Removal of structures and roads and seal-
ing of drill holes. 
(9) Restoration of, or mitigation for, fish and 
wildlife habitat disturbed by mineral activities. 
(10) Preservation of cultural, paleontological, 
and cave resources. 
(11) Prevention and suppression of fire in the 
area of mineral activities. 
(c) SURFACE OR GROUND WATER WITHDRAWALS.— 
The Secretary concerned shall work with State and local 
governments with authority over the allocation and use of 
surface and ground water in the area around the mine 
site as necessary to ensure that any surface or ground 
water withdrawals made as a result of mining activities 
approved under this section do not cause undue degrada-
tion. 
(d) SPECIAL RULE.—Reclamation activities for a 
mining claim, license, or lease that has been forfeited, re-
linquished, or lapsed, or a plan that has expired or been 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00083
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
revoked or suspended, shall continue subject to review and 
approval by the Secretary concerned. 
SEC. 308. STATE LAW AND REGULATION. 
(a) STATE LAW.— 
(1) 
RECLAMATION, 
LAND
USE, 
ENVIRON-
MENTAL, AND PUBLIC HEALTH STANDARDS.—Any 
reclamation, land use, environmental, or public 
health protection standard or requirement in State 
law or regulation that meets or exceeds the require-
ments of this Act shall not be construed to be incon-
sistent with any such standard. 
(2) BONDING
REQUIREMENTS.—Any bonding 
standard or requirement in State law or regulation 
that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Act 
shall not be construed to be inconsistent with such 
requirements. 
(3) INSPECTION
STANDARDS.—Any inspection 
standard or requirement in State law or regulation 
that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Act 
shall not be construed to be inconsistent with such 
requirements. 
(b) APPLICABILITY
OF OTHER STATE REQUIRE-
MENTS.— 
(1) ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS.—Nothing in 
this Act shall be construed as affecting any toxic 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
substance, solid waste, or air or water quality, 
standard or requirement of any State, county, local, 
or Tribal law or regulation, which may be applicable 
to mineral activities on lands subject to this Act. 
(2) WATER RESOURCES.—Nothing in this Act 
shall be construed as affecting in any way the right 
of any person to enforce or protect, under applicable 
law, such person’s interest in water resources af-
fected by mineral activities on lands subject to this 
Act. 
(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Any State may enter into a 
cooperative agreement with the Secretary concerned 
for the purposes of such Secretary applying such 
standards and requirements referred to in subsection 
(a) and subsection (b) to mineral activities or rec-
lamation on lands subject to this Act. 
(2) COMMON
REGULATORY
FRAMEWORK.—In 
such instances where the proposed mineral activities 
would affect lands not subject to this Act in addition 
to lands subject to this Act, in order to approve a 
plan of operations the Secretary concerned shall 
enter into a cooperative agreement with the State 
that sets forth a common regulatory framework con-
sistent with the requirements of this Act for the pur-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00085
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
poses of such plan of operations. Any such common 
regulatory framework shall not negate the authority 
of the Federal Government to independently inspect 
mines and operations and bring enforcement actions 
for violations. 
(3) NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENT.—The Sec-
retary concerned shall not enter into a cooperative 
agreement with any State under this section until 
after notice in the Federal Register and opportunity 
for public comment and hearing. 
(d) PRIOR AGREEMENTS.—Any cooperative agree-
ment or such other understanding between the Secretary 
concerned and any State, or political subdivision thereof, 
relating to the management of mineral activities on lands 
subject to this Act that was in existence on the date of 
enactment of this Act may only continue in force until 1 
year after the date of enactment of this Act. During such 
1-year period, the State and the Secretary shall review the 
terms of the agreement and make changes that are nec-
essary to be consistent with this Act. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00086
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
TITLE IV—ABANDONED 
HARDROCK MINE RECLAMATION 
SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Department of the Treasury a separate account to be 
known as the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund. 
(b) INVESTMENT.—The Secretary shall notify the 
Secretary of the Treasury as to what portion of the Fund 
is not, in the Secretary’s judgment, required to meet cur-
rent withdrawals. The Secretary of the Treasury shall in-
vest such portion of the Fund in public debt securities 
with maturities suitable for the needs of such Fund and 
bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of 
the Treasury, taking into consideration current market 
yields on outstanding marketplace obligations of the 
United States of comparable maturities. 
(c) ADMINISTRATION.—In addition to other uses au-
thorized by this title, the Secretary may use amounts in 
the Fund as necessary for the administrative expenses of 
the United States, Indian Tribes, and the States to imple-
ment this title. 
SEC. 402. CONTENTS OF FUND. 
The following amounts shall be credited to the Fund: 
(1) All moneys collected pursuant to section 
502 and section 506. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00087
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(2) 
All 
fees 
received 
under 
section 
304(a)(1)(B). 
(3) All donations by persons, corporations, as-
sociations, and foundations for the purposes of this 
title. 
(4) All amounts deposited in the Fund under 
title I. 
(5) All income on investments under section 
401(b). 
(6) All amounts deposited in the Fund under 
section 403. 
SEC. 403. DISPLACED MATERIAL RECLAMATION FEE. 
(a) IMPOSITION OF FEE.—Except as provided in sub-
section (g), each operator conducting hardrock mineral ac-
tivities shall pay to the Secretary, for deposit in the 
Hardrock Minerals Fund established by section 502, a dis-
placed material reclamation fee of 7 cents per ton of dis-
placed material. 
(b) PAYMENT DEADLINE.—Such reclamation fee 
shall be paid not later than 60 days after the end of each 
calendar year beginning with the first calendar year occur-
ring after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(c) SUBMISSION
OF STATEMENT.—Together with 
such reclamation fee, all operators conducting hardrock 
mineral activities shall submit to the Secretary a state-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00088
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
ment of the amount of displaced material produced during 
mineral activities during the previous calendar year, the 
accuracy of which shall be sworn to by the operator and 
notarized. 
(d) PENALTY.—Any corporate officer, agent, or di-
rector of a person conducting hardrock mineral activities, 
and any other person acting on behalf of such a person, 
who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, 
or certification, or knowingly fails to make any statement, 
representation, or certification, required under this section 
with respect to such operation shall, upon conviction, be 
punished by a fine of not more than $10,000. 
(e) CIVIL ACTION TO RECOVER FEE.—Any portion 
of such reclamation fee not properly or promptly paid pur-
suant to this section shall be recoverable, with statutory 
interest, from the hardrock mineral activities operator, in 
any court of competent jurisdiction in any action at law 
to compel payment of debts. 
(f) EFFECT.—Nothing in this section requires a re-
duction in, or otherwise affects, any similar fee required 
under any law (including regulations) of any State. 
(g) EXEMPTION.—The fee under this section shall 
not apply for small miners. 
SEC. 404. USE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FUND. 
(a) AUTHORIZED USES.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00089
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, subject 
to appropriations, use moneys in the Fund for the 
reclamation and restoration of land and water re-
sources adversely affected by past hardrock mineral 
activities and related activities on lands described in 
section 405, including any of the following: 
(A) Protecting public health and safety. 
(B) Preventing, abating, treating, and con-
trolling water pollution created by abandoned 
mine drainage, including in river watershed 
areas. 
(C) Reclaiming and restoring abandoned 
surface and underground mined areas. 
(D) Reclaiming and restoring abandoned 
milling and processing areas. 
(E) Backfilling, sealing, or otherwise con-
trolling abandoned underground mine entries. 
(F) Revegetating land adversely affected 
by past mineral activities in order to prevent 
erosion and sedimentation, to enhance wildlife 
habitat, and for any other reclamation purpose. 
(G) Controlling surface subsidence due to 
abandoned underground mines. 
(H) Enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
04:44 May 17, 2019
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00090
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2579.IH
H2579
pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS