47-1511. RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES — TIME LIMITATIONS. (a) All reclamation activities required to be conducted under this act shall be performed in a good and workmanlike manner, with all reasonable diligence, and as to a given exploration drill hole, road or trench, within one (1) year after abandonment thereof.

(b) The reclamation activity as to a given mine panel shall be commenced within one (1) year after mining operations have permanently ceased as to such mine panel, provided, however, that in the event that during the course of mining operations on a given mine panel, the operator permanently ceases disposing of overburden on a given overburden pile, or permanently ceases removing minerals from a given pit, or permanently ceases using a given road or other affected land, then the reclamation activities to be conducted hereunder as to such pit, road, overburden pile, or other affected land shall be commenced within one (1) year after such termination, despite the fact that all operations as to the mine panel, which includes such pit, road, overburden pile, or other affected land, have not permanently ceased. It shall be presumed that the operator has permanently ceased mining operations as to a given affected land if no substantial amount of overburden has been placed on the overburden pile in question or if no minerals have been removed from the pit in question, as the case may be, for a period of three (3) years.

This presumption may be rebutted by evidencing, in writing, to the board what mining operations the operator has planned on the pit, road, overburden pile, or other affected land not used within a three (3) year period. Should the board determine that the operator, in good faith, intends to continue the mining operation within a reasonable period of time, it shall, in writing, so notify the operator. Should the board determine that the operation will not be continued within a reasonable period of time, the board shall proceed as though the mining operation has been abandoned.

History:

[47-1511, added 1971, ch. 206, sec. 11, p. 898; am. 2019, ch. 226, sec. 11, p. 703.]