H.R. 1366: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025, aims to amend existing mining laws in the United States to clarify and expand the regulations surrounding hardrock mining operations. The main points of the bill are summarized below:

1. Multiple Hardrock Mining Mill Sites

The bill allows operators to establish multiple mill sites on public land for the disposal of waste rock or tailings associated with mineral development. Key provisions include:

• Mill Site Definition: A mill site is defined as an area on public land that is necessary for operations related to mineral development.
• Location of Mill Sites: Operators can claim as many mill site claims as needed for their operations, as long as they are within an approved plan of operations and are limited to a maximum of 5 acres each.
• No Mineral Rights: Establishing a mill site does not grant operators any mineral rights to the land.
• Impact on Existing Claims: The establishment of a mill site does not invalidate or affect any existing mining claims or rights associated with them.
• Patenting Limitations: Mill sites cannot be patented, meaning they do not grant full ownership in the same way mineral claims do.

2. Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund

The bill establishes a new fund within the U.S. Treasury called the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, which is intended to facilitate financial support for activities related to abandoned mining sites. Key aspects include:

• Source of Funding: The fund will receive deposits from claim maintenance fees collected under existing law specifically related to mill sites.
• Expenditure Authority: The Secretary of the Interior is granted the authority to use the funds for activities defined under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with no additional approvals needed.
• Allocation of Funds: Funds drawn from this account will be allocated as specified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

3. Clerical Amendments

The bill includes various clerical changes to modernize references in existing laws, replacing outdated terms and ensuring consistency with current legislation.

Overall Aim

The overarching goal of the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025 is to facilitate hardrock mining operations by providing clearer definitions and processes for permitting multiple mill sites while also addressing the management of abandoned mine sites through the newly established fund. This aims to promote more efficient mineral development while also ensuring that associated environmental and operational responsibilities are managed appropriately.

Relevant Companies

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