Minerals PROGRAM
The minerals program regulates non-coal mining operations in the state of Utah with a few exceptions, as noted in Utah Administrative Code R647.
The minerals program staff works to ensure reclamation standards can be achieved after mining has been completed. The staff oversees the many large mining operations, including the Bingham Canyon copper mine and the unique Topaz beryllium mine, and many small mine and exploration operations.
Staff verifies that mine operators follow their plans for mining and reclamation, including mining within permit boundaries and protecting public safety and the environment. The Division holds reclamation bonds to ensure the future reclamation of mine sites.
There are over 200 different minerals mined in Utah, which include the base and precious metals of copper, magnesium, gold, silver and beryllium. Utah also produces many industrial minerals, such as potash, crushed stone, salt, lime, phosphate, gilsonite and gypsum, and unconventional fuels including oil shale and oil sand. Currently there are approximately 600 permitted mineral operations statewide.
Public Notices
Notice of Informal Adjudicative Proceeding No. M/049/0032
THE STATE OF UTAH TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ABOVE-ENTITLED MATTER.
Notice is hereby given that the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (Division) will conduct an informal adjudicative proceeding on September 30, 2024, beginning at 9:00 am, at the Department of Natural Resources, Room 1040-1050, 1594 West North Temple, Suite 1210, Salt Lake City, Utah, regarding the above-referenced matter.
Notice of Tentative Decision to Approve No. M/035/0052 Juniper Canyon Mine
Notice is hereby given by the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (Division) of its tentative decision to approve the Notice of Intention to Commence Large Mining Operations (Notice) for the Juniper Canyon Mine.
Substantive public comment" means a public comment that:
333(a) is specific to a proposed action;
334(b) has a direct relationship to the proposed action;
335(c) includes supporting reasons for the division to consider; and
336(d) addresses issues that are within the scope of the division's jurisdiction.