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<br />000460 <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />The Minerals Program also regulates approximately 448 active prospecting <br />operations. These activities generally involve exploration for commercial-grade <br />deposits of metals, oil shale, uranium, and rock aggregate products. The Board <br />holds approximately $7.9 million dollars in prospecting financial warranties to <br />cover the potential state reclamation obligation at these sites in the event of <br />bond forfeiture. <br /> <br />In order to carry out the statutory requirements of the Mined land Reclamation <br />Act, the Minerals staff reviews new mine permit applications, amendments and <br />technical revisions to permits, permit transfers, notices of temporary cessation, <br />and annual permit reports; responds to inquiries and holds discussions with the <br />general public, industry, environmental groups, and media; and works with local, <br />state and federal government agencies. <br /> <br />Field inspections are required for releasing bonds, permitting regular mining <br />operations, taking enforcement actions against illegal operators, and citing <br />operators in violation of the Act and their permit requirements. In addition, staff <br />time is required by enforcement actions in order to comply with administrative <br />procedures of the Act and to prepare cases for a Board hearing. <br /> <br />Inactive Mine Reclamation Proaram (IMP) (13.0 FTE) <br />The Division's program for inactive mine reclamation was established in 1980 to <br />address the hazards and environmental problems arising from abandoned mines <br />in ,Colorado. States having approved regulatory programs under Title V of <br />SMCRA may assume exclusive responsibility and authority to reclaim abandoned <br />mine lands within their borders. The program was launched with a <br />comprehensive inventory of hazards and environmental problems associated with <br />past mining activities. Using this inventory, Colorado prepared a statewide <br />reclamation plan which was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior <br />Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) in June 1982. <br /> <br />Mine Safety and Trainina Proaram (6.0 FTE) <br />The Mine Safety and Training Program is charged with protecting the health and <br />safety of the public and the mining community from mining-related hazards. The <br />services which the Mine Safety and Training program provides include lending <br />assistance to miners to ensure their health and safety; inspecting tourist mines to <br />ensure the health and safety of the public; inspecting idle mines to ensure that <br />they are sealed or safeguarded; maintaining state mine rescue stations and <br />providing mine rescue training at these stations; assisting operators in <br />establishing safety and rescue training, and equipping and coordinating mine <br />rescue teams; assisting local government in planning, preparation, and training <br />for emergencies at active and inactive mine sites; regulating safety and security <br />in the use of mining explosives and diesel equipment; and collecting and <br />preserving mining information. <br /> <br />71 <br />