Bill > S544

This bill provides clarity and new provisions for hardrock mining mill sites on public lands, introducing several key changes to existing mining regulations. The legislation allows mining operators to locate multiple mill sites (up to 5 acres each) within their plan of operations, where these sites are reasonably necessary for waste rock disposal, tailings, or other mining-related operations. Importantly, these mill sites do not convey mineral rights to the locator and are not eligible for patenting. The bill also establishes an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund in the U.S. Treasury, which will be funded by claim maintenance fees collected for mill sites, with funds to be used specifically for hardrock mine remediation efforts as outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill preserves existing protections for public lands, ensuring that the new mill site provisions do not diminish federal regulatory authority over mining activities, impact existing mining claims, or override previous land withdrawal decisions. Additionally, the legislation makes technical amendments to claim maintenance fee regulations, updating references to mining laws and structuring fee provisions more clearly. The overall aim is to provide more operational flexibility for mining companies while maintaining environmental and regulatory safeguards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/544/all-info