SURFACE MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT OF 1975
AND ASSOCIATED REGULATIONS (updated January 2012) 

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA, Public Resources Code, Sections 2710-2796) provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental  impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition.  SMARA also encourages the production, conservation, and protection of the state’s mineral resources.  Public Resources Code Section 2207 provides annual reporting requirements for all mines in the state, under which the State Mining and Geology Board is also granted authority and obligations.

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), Chapter 9, Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, requires the State Mining and Geology Board to adopt State policy for the reclamation of mined lands and the conservation of mineral resources.  These policies are prepared in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, (Government Code) and are found in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 2, Chapter 8, Subchapter 1.      

Statutes/Regulations                         

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National Association of Abandoned Mine Programs | California Geological Survey | State Mining & Geology Board
Department of Toxic Substances Control | California State Lands Commission
Bureau of Land Management | Mine Safety & Health Administration
Office of Surface Mining |  | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
U.S. Forest Service | U.S. Geological Survey