AZ HB2617

Establishes a mining advisory council composed of mining industry representatives, public members, and the state mine inspector to review mining policy and advise state agencies on rules affecting mining, with the council terminating July 1, 2020.

Modifies mine inspector qualification requirements to accept four years of underground mining experience plus three additional years in underground mining, smelting, open pit mining, or related industries, replacing the previous requirement of four years underground mining and three years in smelting/open pit mining.

Exempts groundwater withdrawn for metal mining remedial actions and mitigation activities under environmental quality orders from water law restrictions, subject to payment of groundwater withdrawal fees and compliance with water resource department permits.

Allows metal mining facilities to transport groundwater between the upper San Pedro and Douglas groundwater basins when necessary to comply with environmental remediation orders.

Authorizes the Department of Water Resources to waive or expedite permits for metal mining mitigation activities if standard permits would unreasonably delay remediation, and allows the Department of Environmental Quality to authorize mining facilities to proceed with approved mitigation if water permits are not issued within 120 days.