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Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

12/30/2025, 4:03 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1366

Bill 119 HR 1366, also known as the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund Act, aims to address the issue of abandoned hardrock mining sites in the United States. The bill proposes the establishment of the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, which would be used to clean up and reclaim multiple hardrock mining mill sites that have been left abandoned.

The bill seeks to address the environmental and public health risks posed by these abandoned sites, which can include contaminated water sources, unstable land, and other hazards. By creating a dedicated fund for the cleanup and reclamation of these sites, the bill aims to protect communities and the environment from the negative impacts of abandoned hardrock mining operations.

In addition to establishing the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, the bill also includes provisions for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites. This aspect of the bill aims to streamline the process for identifying and prioritizing sites in need of cleanup and reclamation, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1366 represents a bipartisan effort to address the longstanding issue of abandoned hardrock mining sites in the United States. By creating a dedicated fund and establishing a process for site identification and prioritization, the bill aims to protect communities and the environment from the negative impacts of these abandoned sites.

Congressional Summary of HR 1366

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund.

The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision, described further in CRS Report R48166). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act.

The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations.

Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.

Current Status of Bill HR 1366

Bill HR 1366 is currently in the status of Passed in House since December 18, 2025. Bill HR 1366 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 14, 2025.  Bill HR 1366's most recent activity was Received in the Senate. as of December 18, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1366

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1366

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

- Government trust funds
- Land use and conservation
- Mining

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1366

To provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.
To provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.

Comments

Carmelo Cummings profile image

Carmelo Cummings

30,480

5 months ago

I'm really interested in this new bill about mining regulations. It seems like it could bring some much-needed clarity to the industry. I think it's important for us to have clear guidelines in place to protect both the environment and the workers. I'm looking forward to seeing how this bill plays out and how it might impact mining operations in my state. #HRBill1366 #MiningRegulations #ClarityAct2025

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