§460jjj–2 Minerals and Mining

Summary

No patents for mining locations or claims inside the recreation area will be issued after May 30, 1991. If someone says they lost property rights because of that rule, they can sue the United States Claims Court for money damages. Such claims must be filed within 1 year after October 12, 1993, and the Claims Court has authority under section 1491 of title 28. After October 12, 1993, and except for valid existing rights, the lands are withdrawn from being claimed under the general mining laws and from mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, and mineral material disposal laws. Any mining that disturbs the surface or waters is allowed only under rules set by the Secretary, including reclaiming disturbed land to a condition as close as practical to how it looked and worked before mining. The Secretary of Agriculture must finish an expedited review of all unpatented claims within 3 years after October 12, 1993; if a claim is found invalid, it must be declared null and void. Mineral materials inside the area may be used for public needs (like roads or trails) if they fit the area's purposes.