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' <br /> Mined Land Reclamation Board for Hard Rock, Metal and Designated Mining Operations" (Hatd <br /> Rock/Metal Mines Rules). <br /> Permit Categories. The Minerals Program of the Division issues the following categories of <br /> reclamation permits for mining operations, pursuant to and named after sections 34-32 and 34- <br /> 32.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes: <br /> • 110 Permits, for less than 10 acres of disturbed area; <br /> • 111 Special Operations Permits, expedited permits for construction materials only and <br /> used solely for road, utility, or similar construction purposes under a governmental <br /> contract, and disturbing less than 30 acres; and <br /> • 112 Regular Permits, for operations disturbing 10 or more acres. <br /> Permit Consideration and Bonding. Statutorily, if the Division or the Board determines that a <br /> reclamation permit application, including the reclamation plan, minimally meets the <br /> requirements of the Acts and its associated rules and regulations, the application "...shall not be <br /> denied." (CRS 34-32-115(4) and 34-32.5-115(4)). A permit, however, may not be issued until <br /> the applicant posts the appropriate reclamation bond and "performance warranty" with the State <br /> of Colorado. A reclamation bond is also referred to as a "financial warranty." The purpose of <br /> posting a bond is to ensure that the State of Colorado can hire a third party to complete <br /> reclamation if, for any reason, the permit is revoked and the bond is forfeited. For this reason, <br /> the reclamation bond must remain adequate and in good standing at all times during the life of <br /> the operation. The amount of the bond can be reduced as land is reclaimed, and it can be <br /> increased under certain circumstances. <br /> Permit Life. If an application for a 112 Reclamation Permit is approved by the Board or the <br /> Division, the approved permit is for the life of the mining operation (life of the mine) since <br /> permits do not have an expiration date. Dependent upon the extent of the deposit mined and <br /> the rate of extraction, mining operations may last from only a few months to decades. The <br /> permit may be revoked and the reclamation bond forfeited to the State of Colorado only by an <br /> action of the Board. Revocation and forfeiture may occur due to an uncorrected violation of the <br /> Acts, the rules and regulations, or the terms of the approved permit. <br /> THE ROLE OF THE MINED LAND RECLAMATION BOARD <br /> The Mined Land Reclamation Board is a multi-interest citizen board which establishes the <br /> regulations, standards, and policies that guide the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. <br /> The state governor appoints five board members from nominations submitted by each of the <br /> various constituencies represented, resulting in two members with significant experience in the <br /> mining industry, two with conservation and environmental resources experience, and one <br /> representing agriculture. A sixth board member is the Executive Director of the Department of <br /> Natural Resources, or his appointee; and the seventh is a member of the State Soil <br /> Conservation Board. The state senate must approve the board members selected by the state <br /> governor. Once appointed, each board member serves a term of four years. Board members <br /> may be reappointed after their four-year terms expire. <br /> The Board normally meets for one to two days every month to carry out its duties. Some of the <br /> Board's responsibilities include: promulgating rules and regulations that implement the Acts; <br /> 2 <br />