Table of Contents
What does the SMCRA require?
SMCRA requires that mining companies post a bond sufficient to cover the cost of reclaiming the site. This is meant to ensure that the mining site will be reclaimed even if the company goes out of business or fails to clean up the land for some other reason.
How do I get a permit to mine in PA?
You can obtain copies by visiting the District Mining Office serving the county where the site is located. During review for a new permit application or major revision to a permit, the applicant must file a copy of the application at a public office in the locality of the site.
Can you mine on your own land?
If you own surface rights, you are allowed to sell or transfer title to the land surface, but you may not sell or lease your property to an oil, gas, or mining company for exploration or extraction. Those rights do not legally belong to you.
What two things does the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 SMCRA do?
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) prohibits surface coal mining within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System. SMCRA also provides the NPS with authority over permitting decisions regarding external surface coal mining.
What are the four major types of surface mining?
These mining categories are: strip mining, open-pit mining, mountaintop removal, dredging and high wall mining.
What are the two laws associated with mining?
NEPA applies to mining operations that require Federal approvals. The CAA, passed in 1970, authorizes regulations to address airborne pollution that may be potentially hazardous to human health or natural resources.
Can I mine gold in Pennsylvania?
Gold is most often found in York and Lancaster counties. In York County, try looking around Dillsburg, Grantham, Wellsville or Rossville; or near Shrewsbury and Winterstown — these are all areas where the local streams have produced respectable gold finds.
How many coal mines are in PA?
While mining activity in Pennsylvania peaked during the early 20th century, there are still over 40 underground mines actively mining coal in Pennsylvania as well as 5,000 or more abandoned underground mines across the state.
Who enforces Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act?
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) was established in the Department of the Interior by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1211).
How deep do surface mines go?
The economic depth for surface mining can range from 100 metres to 1 kilometre and over. The surface mining can be classified depending on the location of the deposit or the type of mining method. Generally speaking, we can classify surface mining in three main typologies that are open pit, open cast, and quarry.
What is the difference between underground mining and surface mining?
Main Difference In surface mining, the ore is accessed directly from the Earth’s surface, and contact is maintained with the surface throughout the operation. Underground or subsurface mining is accomplished with the help of tunnels going into the Earth, and does not occur on the surface.
What does a mining permit allow?
Mining Permit: A mining permit gives a company or individual permission to mine a small area of land (not more than 1.5 hectares) for a specified period of up to 2 years. Mining Right: A mining right gives a company or an individual permission to mine for a specified period of up to 30 years.
What does the General Mining Act do?
The General Mining Law of 1872 regulates the mining of certain mineral resources on federal public domain lands. The law permits individuals and corporations to prospect on public domain lands and to stake claims on mineral discoveries they make.
Do you need a permit to pan for gold in PA?
No permit is required for casual gold panning. The use of sluices and portable dredges is not considered casual. To operate sluices or portable dredges requires a prospecting permit from the Bureau of Land Management.
What is the history of noncoal mining regulation in Pennsylvania?
Noncoal mining in Pennsylvania was first regulated under Act No. 147 of 1971. The first set of noncoal regulations were promulgated under that Act and became Subchapter E of Chapter 77, effective July 1973.
What is the current law on non-coal mining?
The current noncoal mining law is called the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (Noncoal SMCRA, Act No. 219), which was enacted in 1984. This replaced the old Act No. 147.
Where can I mine coal in Pennsylvania?
Surface coal mining can be found in western, eastern middle, and northeastern Pennsylvania. Surface mining activity includes the extraction of coal directly from the ground or from waste or stock piles, pits or banks. A permit is required to conduct surface mining activities. Permit area includes mining and support areas, facilities and roads.
Where can I find a copy of the Pennsylvania Mining Act?
The Acts were incorporated into Pennsylvania law, called Statutes. (The statutes are not available on the web but if you are interested in a specific Act, please contact your closest District Mining Office or the Bureau of Mining Programs for a copy.) The current regulations are based on the Pennsylvania law of 1984.