Definitions

In this Act: (1) Federal land The term Federal land means— (A) National Forest System land; (B) public lands; and (C) any land that may be leased for the exploration, development, or production of hardrock minerals. (2) Hardrock mineral The term hardrock mineral — (A) includes deposits of— (i) minerals found in sedimentary or other rocks; (ii) base metals; (iii) precious metals; (iv) industrial metals; minerals; and (v) precious and semi-precious gemstones; and (B) does not include deposits of— (i) coal; (ii) oil; (iii) oil shale; (iv) gas; (v) sodium; (vi) potassium; (vii) sulfur; or (viii) mineral materials subject to disposition under the Act of July 31, 1947, commonly known as the Materials Act of 1947 (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). (3) Mining project The term mining project means a project that involves the exploration for or development, extraction, or processing of a hardrock mineral. (4) Public lands The term public lands has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702). (4) (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.