Contact Congress about S. 859: Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025

Hardrock mines on federal land would face new royalties, fees, permits, and cleanup rules. Mine operators would have to set aside enough money for cleanup and water treatment. Much of the federal revenue would go toward abandoned mines.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 is a Senate bill committee Action. The latest recorded action: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-46.

Latest action on S. 859: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-46.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects companies and individuals that explore for or mine hardrock minerals on federal land. It also affects nearby communities, Indian Tribes, federal land managers, and taxpayers who may otherwise bear cleanup costs. States and mining towns could also feel changes in investment, jobs, land access, and public revenue.

Why this matters: Hardrock miners can now take minerals from federal claims without paying a federal production royalty. Old and abandoned mines can also leave the public with costly pollution and cleanup work. This bill would charge royalties and require mine operators to secure money for cleanup and water treatment. These steps could reduce public costs and environmental harm, but they could also raise mining costs and slow some projects.

Key provisions in S. 859

• The federal government would collect a royalty on covered hardrock minerals taken from federal claims. The Interior Secretary would set the rate from 5% to 8% of gross mining income and could use different rates for different minerals.
• Some mines already producing under an approved plan would not pay the new royalty on that production. This exemption would apply only to operations in commercial production when the bill becomes law.
• Claim holders would pay a $200 maintenance fee each year and a $50 location fee for each claim or site. The fees would rise with inflation. Some operators with 10 or fewer claims could get waivers.
• A claim or site would be lost automatically if its holder misses required fees, work, or filing deadlines. Losing the claim would not end the holder’s cleanup duties.
• Exploration that disturbs the ground would need an exploration permit. Mining and related mineral work would need a mining permit. Applications must cover operations, cleanup, water effects, monitoring, and compliance with other laws.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 859

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 859

What is S. 859?

Hardrock mines on federal land would face new royalties, fees, permits, and cleanup rules. Mine operators would have to set aside enough money for cleanup and water treatment. Much of the federal revenue would go toward abandoned mines.

How do I support or oppose S. 859?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 859?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 859?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.