Mining and Reclamation Overview

The mining of metallic minerals requires a state issued mine reclamation permit. Metallic minerals include any metal, metallic ore or other material mined for its metallic content (such as iron, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, or gold). Permitted operations are regularly inspected, and are required to meet reclamation standards to protect the environment as prescribed by statute and promulgated rules.

Metallic mineral operators are required to pay an annual surveillance fee based on production. The fee depends on the kind of metallic product that is produced, and is placed in a metallic mineral surveillance fund.  Money from this fund can be expended only on the administration and enforcement of the mining regulation requirements. The metallic mineral mining regulations are administered by the Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals pursuant to the statutory requirements of: 

  Part 631, Reclamation of Mining Lands;

  Part 632, Nonferrous Metallic Mining:

  Part 625, Mineral Wells Act (mineral exploration);
    all are part of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act , 1994 PA 451, as amended.

Non-Metallic Mining

Aside from Coastal Sand Dune (Part 637) and Coal mining (Part 635), non-metallic mining is not regulated by the Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals.  Other federal, state and or local regulations and concomitant permits, licenses and or operating agreements may be required.

Go to the DEQ Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals home page