The bill amends provisions in Code chapter 208, which regulates the mining of minerals in Iowa, including both surface and underground mining. Key changes include the clarification of "affected land" to specify that it encompasses areas disturbed by mining activities, including known subsidence. A new definition of "subsidence" is introduced, describing it as the collapse, settling, or sinking of land due to mining activities, while explicitly excluding naturally occurring geological events. The bill mandates that mine operators notify the relevant division within 48 hours of discovering subsidence and submit an initial assessment and a repair plan within specified timeframes.

Additionally, the bill outlines bonding requirements, stating that whether an operator uses multiple bonds for single mine sites or a single bond for multiple sites, the total amount must be allocated solely for the reclamation of the identified land. The enforcement provisions allow the division to inspect mine sites and issue orders for violations, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $10,000 per violation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation of mining activities and ensure proper reclamation and management of land affected by mining operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 208.2