PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 374.
Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Aug 4, 2020
Hardrock Leasing and Reclamation Act of 2019
This bill addresses mineral leasing, exploration, and development on federal land.
Among other things, the bill
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
prohibits the issuance of a patent for certain mining or millsite claims;
establishes a permitting and leasing system for hardrock mining;
establishes a 12.5% royalty on new mining operations and an 8% royalty on existing operations, with an exemption for small miners;
protects special places, such as wilderness study areas, roadless areas, and wild and scenic rivers, from hardrock mining activity;
requires consultation prior to undertaking any mineral activities that may have a substantial direct impact on the lands or interests of Indian tribes;
establishes an environmental standard for mining activities to ensure that mining activities prevent undue degradation of public lands and resources;
prescribes requirements for the exploration permit process and for operations permits, including financial assurances; and
authorizes the use of amounts in the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock mineral activities and related activities.
People & committees
Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-3] · D–AZ
Legislative record
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Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 374.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-467.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-467.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 13.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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