CO SB054

SB 25-054: Legacy Mining and Modernization Act

• Creates a new "reclamation-only permit" for cleanup operations at legacy mines (sites with no existing bond or reclamation responsibility), limited to less than 5 acres with a maximum 3-year duration from excavation to reclamation completion, available for applications submitted after September 1, 2025

• Defines "legacy mine" as abandoned mines with pre-law operations and no existing financial assurance; Colorado estimates more than 23,000 abandoned mines statewide contributing heavy metals and acid mine drainage to watersheds

• Updates financial warranty requirements: limits real property as collateral to liabilities exceeding $30 million (hard rock mining) or $50 million (construction materials), capped at 75% of appraised value; directs 100% of forfeited warranties to reclamation (previously 95%)

• Ratifies Colorado's membership in the Interstate Mining Compact and Interstate Mining Commission, with annual dues paid by the Department of Natural Resources from mining fees and federal grants

• Appropriates $1,440 from the mined land reclamation fund to the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety for FY 2025-26 implementation