Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1992

Summary

Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1991 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and may use such land only for mining activities. Prescribes rules for mining claim recordation and use of public land surveys. Sets forth rental fees and diligent development requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make non-mining lands available to record holders of mining claims for mineral milling, processing, and beneficiation activities. Prohibits the issuance of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless administrative requirements are met. Amends Federal law to declare that after the date of enactment of this Act, all mineral materials deposits shall only be subject to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947. Renames specified Federal laws: (1) the Surface Resources Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act. Declares that all building stone shall be subject to disposal only under the Materials Act of 1947. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Prescribes surface management non-degradation guidelines to which claim holders must adhere or be subject to suspension of operations. Requires claim holders to reclaim mining-affected areas. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure that all management planning decisions treat public domain lands subject to mineral claims according to environmental guidelines. Designates lands which are not open to the location of mining claims under this Act. Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to establish the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary (acting through the Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement) for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals and mineral materials mining. Designates lands and waters eligible for reclamation expenditures. Sets forth Fund allocation and expenditure guidelines to be distributed as grants among eligible States. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth jurisdiction and policy function guidelines for the Secretary and for the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to administer Federal mining law activities on National Forest System lands. Authorizes user fees to reimburse the United States for administrative expenses.

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Documents

6 official files

• Reported in House (text)

  Reported in House · EN

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• Reported in House (text)

  Reported in House · EN

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• Introduced in House (text)

  Introduced in House · EN

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• Reported to House amended, Part II

  summary · EN · 11 September 1992

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• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 23 July 1992

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 6 February 1991

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