Editorial Notes
References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (f), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name

“United States magistrate judge” substituted for “United States magistrate” in subsec. (a) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Modification of Regulations Relating to Mining Operations on Public Lands; Posting of Reclamation Bond for All Operations Involving Significant Surface Disturbance

Pub. L. 99–500, § 101(h) [title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–242, 1783–243, and Pub. L. 99–591, § 101(h) [title I], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–242, 3341–243, provided: “That regulations pertaining to mining operations on public lands conducted under the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 22, et seq.) and sections 302, 303, and 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1732, 1733, and 1782) shall be modified to include a requirement for the posting of reclamation bonds by operators for all operations which involve significant surface disturbance, (a) at the discretion of the authorized officer for operators who have a record of compliance with pertinent regulations concerning mining on public lands, and (b) on a mandatory basis only for operators with a history of noncompliance with the aforesaid regulations: Provided further, That surety bonds, third party surety bonds, or irrevocable letters of credit shall qualify as bond instruments: Provided further, That evidence of an equivalent bond posted with a State agency shall be accepted in lieu of a separate bond: Provided further, That the amount of such bonds shall be sufficient to cover the costs of reclamation as estimated by the Bureau of Land Management.”