The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975: idle reserve mine status.

Assembly Member Carrillo's surface mining legislation creates a new "Idle Reserve Mine Status" for qualifying construction aggregate operations, allowing extensions of interim management plans for mines with strategic reserves. The measure amends California's Surface Mining and Reclamation Act to establish this classification for idle mines that maintain valuable mineral deposits for future infrastructure needs.

Under the bill's provisions, operators of idle construction aggregate mines may apply for this status if the State Geologist confirms adequate reserves exist, the mine is not on federal land, and fewer than 12 such applications have been received that fiscal year. With division approval and lead agency concurrence, mines qualifying for Idle Reserve status can extend their interim management plans up to 10 years beyond current renewal periods, provided operators cover review costs and maintain existing financial assurance obligations.

The legislation requires lead agencies to conduct annual inspections of both active and idle reserve mines to verify compliance. These inspections must be performed by qualified professionals using standardized forms developed by the Division of Mine Reclamation. The bill maintains existing requirements for mine operators to submit interim management plans within 90 days of becoming idle and preserves lead agencies' authority to mandate reclamation if operators fail to obtain necessary approvals.

To implement these changes, the measure adds formal definitions for "construction aggregate material" and "reserves" to the Public Resources Code while preserving core environmental protection and reclamation requirements. The bill's stated intent focuses on minimizing waste of construction resources while ensuring timely reclamation of idle mines.