Summary

Requires operators to give the appropriate federal land manager a written notice at least 15 days before starting mineral exploration on public lands that will cause up to 25 acres of surface disturbance. The Secretary must either allow the activity to proceed within 15 days if the notice contains required information and the operator provides financial assurance, or notify the operator that additional information is required. The bill defines key terms by reference to existing mining regulations and the 1872 mining law and clarifies that covered exploration does not include extracting material for commercial sale or use.

• Creates a 15‑day pre‑activity notice process for mineral exploration on public lands with up to 25 acres of surface disturbance.
• Notice must include information the Secretary requires; Secretary must act within 15 days to allow activity or request missing information.
• Operators must provide adequate financial assurance before proceeding under the notice process.
• Definitions for key terms are incorporated by reference to existing law and regulations.
• Exploration covered by the bill excludes extracting material for commercial use or sale.
• Does not appropriate funds or broadly amend existing statutes beyond defining the procedural process.
• Places an administrative timing requirement on federal land managers to respond to notices.
• Streamlines permitting for small exploration projects but retains information and bonding requirements.