Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2019

This bill modifies requirements related to the mining of hardrock minerals on federal land.

Among other things, the bill

• prohibits 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;
• subjects production of all locatable minerals from any mining claim to a reasonable royalty established by Interior;
• requires an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations;
• establishes the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock minerals and mining activities;
• requires consultation with Indian tribes prior to the undertaking or issuing of a permit for mineral activity that has tribal implications; and
• establishes civil penalties for violation of surface management or operation requirements and related regulations.