Operation and reclamation

(a) In general The operator shall restore land and water subject to mineral activities carried out under a permit issued under this title to a condition capable of supporting— (1) the uses that the land and water was capable of supporting before surface disturbance by the operator; or (2) other beneficial uses that conform to applicable land use plans (including, if appropriate, the generation of renewable energy), as determined by the Secretary concerned. (b) Timing (1) In general Reclamation activities shall be carried out as contemporaneously as practicable with the conduct of mineral activities. (2) Temporary cessation If mineral activities are ceased for a period other than a temporary cessation as approved by the Secretary concerned, reclamation activities shall begin immediately. (c) Administration of land Notwithstanding section 302(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1732(b)), the first section of the Act of June 4, 1897 (commonly known as the Organic Act of 1897) (16 U.S.C. 478), or the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.), and in accordance with this title and applicable law, unless expressly stated otherwise in this Act, the Secretary concerned— (1) shall ensure that mineral activities on any Federal land that is subject to a mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim are carefully controlled to prevent undue degradation of public land and resources; and (2) shall not grant permission to engage in mineral activities if the Secretary concerned, after considering the evidence, makes a determination that undue degradation would result from those activities. (d) Operation and reclamation standards The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly promulgate regulations that carry out this Act. (e) Relationship to other laws The requirements of this Act shall be in addition to any requirements applicable to mineral activities under— (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (2) the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a et seq.); and (3) the Act of June 4, 1897 (commonly known as the Organic Act of 1897) (16 U.S.C. 473–482, 551).