Effect

(a) Special application of general mining laws (1) In general Nothing in this Act repeals or modifies any Federal law (including regulations), order, or land use plan in effect before the date of enactment of this Act that prohibits or restricts the application of the general mining laws, including laws that provide for special management criteria for operations under the general mining laws as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act, and laws that provide protections of natural and cultural resources and the environment that are equal to or greater than the protections required under this Act. (2) Existing laws Any law described in paragraph (1) shall remain in force and effect with respect to claims and sites located or proposed to be located under this Act. (3) Mineral investigations Nothing in this Act applies to or limits mineral investigations, studies, or other mineral activities conducted by any Federal or State agency acting in a governmental capacity under other authorities. (b) Environmental laws Nothing in this Act affects or limits any assessment, investigation, evaluation, or listing under— (1) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.); or (2) the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 3251 et seq.). (c) Effect on general mining laws (1) In general This Act supersedes the general mining laws, except for the provisions of the general mining laws relating to the location of mining claims that are not expressly modified by this Act. (2) Limitation Nothing in this Act supersedes, modifies, amends, or repeals any provision of Federal law not expressly superseded, modified, amended, or repealed by this Act, other than the general mining laws.