Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2017

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2017

This bill modifies requirements related to the mining of hardrock minerals on federal land, including to (1) prohibit the United States from issuing a patent for any mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site unless a patent application was filed with the Department of the Interior by September 30, 1994; (2) subject production of all locatable minerals from any mining claim to a reasonable royalty established by Interior; (3) require an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations; (4) establish the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock minerals and mining activities; and (5) establish civil penalties for violation of surface management or operation requirements and related regulations.