{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/45.2-201.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/45.2-201.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/45.2-201.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/45.2-201.html"}],"law_id":364265,"edition_id":2,"section_id":364265,"structure_id":51989,"section_number":"45.2-201","catch_line":"Interstate Mining Compact","history":"1977, c. 468, \u00a7 45.1-271; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","full_text":"INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT\n\n\t\tARTICLE I\n\n\t\tFINDINGS AND PURPOSES\n\nA\n\nThe party states find that:\n\n1\n\nMining and the contributions thereof to the economy and well-being of every state are of basic significance.\n\n2\n\nThe effects of mining on the availability of land, water, and other resources for other uses present special problems that properly can be approached only with due consideration for the rights and interests of those engaged in mining, those using or proposing to use these resources for other purposes, and the public.\n\n3\n\nMeasures for the reduction of the adverse effects of mining on land, water, and other resources may be costly and the devising of means to deal with them are of both public and private concern.\n\n4\n\nSuch variables as soil structure and composition, physiography, climatic conditions, and the needs of the public make impracticable the application to all mining areas of a single standard for the conservation, adaptation, or restoration of mined land, or the development of mineral and other natural resources, but justifiable requirements of law and practice relating to the effects of mining on land, water, and other resources may be reduced in equity or effectiveness unless they pertain similarly from state to state for all mining operations similarly situated.\n\n5\n\nThe states are in a position and have the responsibility to assure that mining shall be conducted in accordance with sound conservation principles and with due regard for local conditions.\n\nB\n\nThe purposes of this compact are to:\n\n1\n\nAdvance the protection and restoration of land, water, and other resources affected by mining.\n\n2\n\nAssist in the reduction or elimination or counteracting of pollution or deterioration of land, water, and air attributable to mining.\n\n3\n\nEncourage, with due recognition of relevant regional, physical, and other differences, programs in each of the party states that will achieve comparable results in protecting, conserving, and improving the usefulness of natural resources, to the end that the most desirable conduct of mining and related operations may be universally facilitated.\n\n4\n\nAssist the party states in their efforts to facilitate the use of land and other resources affected by mining, so that such use may be consistent with sound land use, public health, and public safety, and to this end to study and recommend, wherever desirable, techniques for the improvement, restoration, or protection of such land and other resources.\n\n5\n\nAssist in achieving and maintaining an efficient and productive mining industry and in increasing economic and other benefits attributable to mining.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE II\n\n\t\t\t\tDEFINITIONS\n\n\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:\n\n\t\t\t\t“Mining” means the breaking of the surface soil in order to facilitate or accomplish the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, or other solid matter, any activity or process constituting all or part of a process for the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, and other solid matter from its original location, and the preparation, washing, cleaning, or other treatment of minerals, ores, or other solid matter so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction use but shall not include those aspects of deep mining not having significant effect on the surface and shall not include excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of onsite farming or construction.\n\n\t\t\t\t“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the United States.\n\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE III\n\n\t\t\t\tSTATE PROGRAMS\n\n\t\t\t\tEach party state agrees that within a reasonable time it will formulate and establish an effective program for the conservation and use of mined land, by the establishment of standards, enactment of laws, or the continuing of the same in force, to accomplish:\n\n1\n\nThe protection of the public and the protection of adjoining and other landowners from damage to their lands and the structures and other property thereon resulting from the conduct of mining operations or the abandonment or neglect of land and property formerly used in the conduct of such operations.\n\n2\n\nThe conduct of mining and the handling of refuse and other mining wastes in ways that will reduce adverse effects on the economic, residential, recreational, or aesthetic value and utility of land and water.\n\n3\n\nThe institution and maintenance of suitable programs of adaptation, restoration, and rehabilitation of mined lands.\n\n4\n\nThe prevention, abatement, and control of water, air, and soil pollution resulting from mining, present, past, and future.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE IV\n\n\t\t\t\tPOWERS\n\n\t\t\t\tIn addition to any other powers conferred upon the Interstate Mining Commission, established by Article V of this compact, the Commission shall have power to:\n\n1\n\nStudy mining operations, processes, and techniques for the purpose of gaining knowledge concerning the effects of such operations, processes, and techniques on land, soil, water, air, plant and animal life, recreation, and patterns of community or regional development or change.\n\n2\n\nStudy the conservation, adaptation, improvement, and restoration of land and related resources affected by mining.\n\n3\n\nMake recommendations concerning any aspect or aspects of law or practice and governmental administration dealing with matters within the purview of this compact.\n\n4\n\nGather and disseminate information relating to any of the matters within the purview of this compact.\n\n5\n\nCooperate with the federal government and any public or private entities having interest in any subject coming within the purview of this compact.\n\n6\n\nConsult, upon the request of a party state and within resources available therefor, with the officials of such state in respect to any problem within the purview of this compact.\n\n7\n\nStudy and make recommendations with respect to any practice, process, technique, or course of action that may improve the efficiency of mining or the economic yield from mining operations.\n\n8\n\nStudy and make recommendations relating to the safeguarding of access to resources that are or may become the subject of mining operations to the end that the needs of the economy for the products of mining may not be adversely affected by unplanned or inappropriate use of land and other resources containing minerals or otherwise connected with actual or potential mining sites.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE V\n\n\t\t\t\tTHE COMMISSION\n\nA\n\nThere is hereby created an agency of the party states to be known as the Interstate Mining Commission (the Commission). The Commission shall be composed of one commissioner from each party state who shall be the Governor thereof. Pursuant to the laws of his party state, each Governor shall have the assistance of any advisory body (including membership from mining industries, conservation interests, and such other public and private interests as may be appropriate) in considering problems relating to mining and in discharging his responsibilities as the commissioner of his state on the Commission. In any instance where a Governor is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission or perform any other function in connection with the business of the Commission, he shall designate an alternate from among the members of the advisory body required by this subsection who shall represent him and act in his place and stead. The designation of an alternate shall be communicated by the Governor to the Commission in such manner as its bylaws may provide.\n\nB\n\nThe commissioners shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission making a recommendation pursuant to subdivision 3, 7, or 8 of Article IV or requesting, accepting, or disposing of funds, services, or other property pursuant to this subsection, subsection G or H of this article, or Article VII shall be valid unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the Commission is cast in favor thereof. All other action shall be by a majority of those present and voting, provided that action of the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners, or their alternates, is present. The Commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.\n\nC\n\nThe Commission shall have a seal.\n\nD\n\nThe Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, a vice-chairman, and a treasurer. The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director and fix his duties and compensation. Such Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Executive Director, the Treasurer, and such other personnel as the Commission shall designate shall be bonded. The amount or amounts of such bond or bonds shall be determined by the Commission.\n\nE\n\nIrrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the Executive Director with the approval of the Commission shall appoint, remove, or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel.\n\nF\n\nThe Commission may establish and maintain independently or in conjunction with a party state, a suitable retirement system for its employees. Employees of the Commission shall be eligible for social security coverage in respect of old age and survivor’s insurance, provided that the Commission takes such steps as may be necessary pursuant to the laws of the United States to participate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The Commission may establish and maintain or participate in such additional programs of employee benefits as it may deem appropriate.\n\nG\n\nThe Commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation.\n\nH\n\nThe Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and service, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this subsection or services borrowed pursuant to subsection G of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount, and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed and the identity of the donor or lender.\n\nI\n\nThe Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.\n\nJ\n\nThe Commission annually shall make to the Governor, legislature, and advisory body required by subsection A of this article of each party state a report covering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year and embodying such recommendations as may have been made by the Commission. The Commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VI\n\n\t\t\tADVISORY, TECHNICAL, AND REGIONAL COMMITTEES\n\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall establish such advisory, technical, and regional committees as it may deem necessary, membership on which shall include private persons and public officials, and shall cooperate with and use the services of any such committees and the organizations that the members represent in furthering any of its activities. Such committees may be formed to consider problems of special interest to any party states, problems dealing with particular commodities or types of mining operations, problems related to reclamation, development, or use of mined land, or any other matters of concern to the Commission.\n\n\t\t\tARTICLE VII\n\n\t\t\tFINANCE\n\nA\n\nThe Commission shall submit to the Governor or designated officer or officers of each party state a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state for presentation to the legislature thereof.\n\nB\n\nEach of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states. The total amount of appropriations requested under any such budget shall be apportioned among the party states as follows: one-half in equal shares and the remainder in proportion to the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined. In determining such values, the Commission shall employ such available public source or sources of information as, in its judgment, present the most equitable and accurate comparisons among the party states. Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures and requests for appropriations shall indicate the source or sources used in obtaining information concerning the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined.\n\nC\n\nThe Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The Commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, provided that the Commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring any obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.\n\nD\n\nThe Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.\n\nE\n\nThe accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the Commission.\n\nF\n\nNothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the Commission.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VIII\n\n\t\t\tENTRY INTO FORCE AND WITHDRAWAL\n\nA\n\nThis compact shall enter into force when enacted into law by any four or more states. Thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state upon its enactment thereof.\n\nB\n\nAny party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the Governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\tARTICLE IX\n\n\t\t\tEFFECT ON OTHER LAWS\n\n\t\t\tNothing in this compact shall be construed to limit, repeal, or supersede any other law of any party state.\n\n\t\t\tARTICLE X\n\n\t\t\tCONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY\n\n\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating herein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1356991,"text":"INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT\t\tARTICLE I\t\tFINDINGS AND PURPOSES","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"A"},"1":{"id":1356992,"text":"The party states find that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"A1"},"2":{"id":1356993,"text":"Mining and the contributions thereof to the economy and well-being of every state are of basic significance.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"3":{"id":1356994,"text":"The effects of mining on the availability of land, water, and other resources for other uses present special problems that properly can be approached only with due consideration for the rights and interests of those engaged in mining, those using or proposing to use these resources for other purposes, and the public.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"4":{"id":1356995,"text":"Measures for the reduction of the adverse effects of mining on land, water, and other resources may be costly and the devising of means to deal with them are of both public and private concern.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"5":{"id":1356996,"text":"Such variables as soil structure and composition, physiography, climatic conditions, and the needs of the public make impracticable the application to all mining areas of a single standard for the conservation, adaptation, or restoration of mined land, or the development of mineral and other natural resources, but justifiable requirements of law and practice relating to the effects of mining on land, water, and other resources may be reduced in equity or effectiveness unless they pertain similarly from state to state for all mining operations similarly situated.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"6":{"id":1356997,"text":"The states are in a position and have the responsibility to assure that mining shall be conducted in accordance with sound conservation principles and with due regard for local conditions.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B"},"7":{"id":1356998,"text":"The purposes of this compact are to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"B1"},"8":{"id":1356999,"text":"Advance the protection and restoration of land, water, and other resources affected by mining.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"9":{"id":1357000,"text":"Assist in the reduction or elimination or counteracting of pollution or deterioration of land, water, and air attributable to mining.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"10":{"id":1357001,"text":"Encourage, with due recognition of relevant regional, physical, and other differences, programs in each of the party states that will achieve comparable results in protecting, conserving, and improving the usefulness of natural resources, to the end that the most desirable conduct of mining and related operations may be universally facilitated.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"11":{"id":1357002,"text":"Assist the party states in their efforts to facilitate the use of land and other resources affected by mining, so that such use may be consistent with sound land use, public health, and public safety, and to this end to study and recommend, wherever desirable, techniques for the improvement, restoration, or protection of such land and other resources.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"12":{"id":1357003,"text":"Assist in achieving and maintaining an efficient and productive mining industry and in increasing economic and other benefits attributable to mining.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE II\t\t\t\tDEFINITIONS\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:\t\t\t\t“Mining” means the breaking of the surface soil in order to facilitate or accomplish the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, or other solid matter, any activity or process constituting all or part of a process for the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, and other solid matter from its original location, and the preparation, washing, cleaning, or other treatment of minerals, ores, or other solid matter so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction use but shall not include those aspects of deep mining not having significant effect on the surface and shall not include excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of onsite farming or construction.\t\t\t\t“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the United States.\t\t\t\tARTICLE III\t\t\t\tSTATE PROGRAMS\t\t\t\tEach party state agrees that within a reasonable time it will formulate and establish an effective program for the conservation and use of mined land, by the establishment of standards, enactment of laws, or the continuing of the same in force, to accomplish:","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B1"},"13":{"id":1357004,"text":"The protection of the public and the protection of adjoining and other landowners from damage to their lands and the structures and other property thereon resulting from the conduct of mining operations or the abandonment or neglect of land and property formerly used in the conduct of such operations.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B2"},"14":{"id":1357005,"text":"The conduct of mining and the handling of refuse and other mining wastes in ways that will reduce adverse effects on the economic, residential, recreational, or aesthetic value and utility of land and water.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"15":{"id":1357006,"text":"The institution and maintenance of suitable programs of adaptation, restoration, and rehabilitation of mined lands.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"16":{"id":1357007,"text":"The prevention, abatement, and control of water, air, and soil pollution resulting from mining, present, past, and future.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE IV\t\t\t\tPOWERS\t\t\t\tIn addition to any other powers conferred upon the Interstate Mining Commission, established by Article V of this compact, the Commission shall have power to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B1"},"17":{"id":1357008,"text":"Study mining operations, processes, and techniques for the purpose of gaining knowledge concerning the effects of such operations, processes, and techniques on land, soil, water, air, plant and animal life, recreation, and patterns of community or regional development or change.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B2"},"18":{"id":1357009,"text":"Study the conservation, adaptation, improvement, and restoration of land and related resources affected by mining.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"19":{"id":1357010,"text":"Make recommendations concerning any aspect or aspects of law or practice and governmental administration dealing with matters within the purview of this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"20":{"id":1357011,"text":"Gather and disseminate information relating to any of the matters within the purview of this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"21":{"id":1357012,"text":"Cooperate with the federal government and any public or private entities having interest in any subject coming within the purview of this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"22":{"id":1357013,"text":"Consult, upon the request of a party state and within resources available therefor, with the officials of such state in respect to any problem within the purview of this compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"23":{"id":1357014,"text":"Study and make recommendations with respect to any practice, process, technique, or course of action that may improve the efficiency of mining or the economic yield from mining operations.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"24":{"id":1357015,"text":"Study and make recommendations relating to the safeguarding of access to resources that are or may become the subject of mining operations to the end that the needs of the economy for the products of mining may not be adversely affected by unplanned or inappropriate use of land and other resources containing minerals or otherwise connected with actual or potential mining sites.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE V\t\t\t\tTHE COMMISSION","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"A"},"25":{"id":1357016,"text":"There is hereby created an agency of the party states to be known as the Interstate Mining Commission (the Commission). The Commission shall be composed of one commissioner from each party state who shall be the Governor thereof. Pursuant to the laws of his party state, each Governor shall have the assistance of any advisory body (including membership from mining industries, conservation interests, and such other public and private interests as may be appropriate) in considering problems relating to mining and in discharging his responsibilities as the commissioner of his state on the Commission. In any instance where a Governor is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission or perform any other function in connection with the business of the Commission, he shall designate an alternate from among the members of the advisory body required by this subsection who shall represent him and act in his place and stead. The designation of an alternate shall be communicated by the Governor to the Commission in such manner as its bylaws may provide.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B"},"26":{"id":1357017,"text":"The commissioners shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission making a recommendation pursuant to subdivision 3, 7, or 8 of Article IV or requesting, accepting, or disposing of funds, services, or other property pursuant to this subsection, subsection G or H of this article, or Article VII shall be valid unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the Commission is cast in favor thereof. All other action shall be by a majority of those present and voting, provided that action of the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners, or their alternates, is present. The Commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"27":{"id":1357018,"text":"The Commission shall have a seal.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"28":{"id":1357019,"text":"The Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, a vice-chairman, and a treasurer. The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director and fix his duties and compensation. Such Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Executive Director, the Treasurer, and such other personnel as the Commission shall designate shall be bonded. The amount or amounts of such bond or bonds shall be determined by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"29":{"id":1357020,"text":"Irrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the Executive Director with the approval of the Commission shall appoint, remove, or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"30":{"id":1357021,"text":"The Commission may establish and maintain independently or in conjunction with a party state, a suitable retirement system for its employees. Employees of the Commission shall be eligible for social security coverage in respect of old age and survivor’s insurance, provided that the Commission takes such steps as may be necessary pursuant to the laws of the United States to participate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The Commission may establish and maintain or participate in such additional programs of employee benefits as it may deem appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"31":{"id":1357022,"text":"The Commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"32":{"id":1357023,"text":"The Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and service, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this subsection or services borrowed pursuant to subsection G of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount, and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed and the identity of the donor or lender.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"33":{"id":1357024,"text":"The Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"34":{"id":1357025,"text":"The Commission annually shall make to the Governor, legislature, and advisory body required by subsection A of this article of each party state a report covering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year and embodying such recommendations as may have been made by the Commission. The Commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VI\t\t\tADVISORY, TECHNICAL, AND REGIONAL COMMITTEES\t\t\tThe Commission shall establish such advisory, technical, and regional committees as it may deem necessary, membership on which shall include private persons and public officials, and shall cooperate with and use the services of any such committees and the organizations that the members represent in furthering any of its activities. Such committees may be formed to consider problems of special interest to any party states, problems dealing with particular commodities or types of mining operations, problems related to reclamation, development, or use of mined land, or any other matters of concern to the Commission.\t\t\tARTICLE VII\t\t\tFINANCE","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"A"},"35":{"id":1357026,"text":"The Commission shall submit to the Governor or designated officer or officers of each party state a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state for presentation to the legislature thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"B"},"36":{"id":1357027,"text":"Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states. The total amount of appropriations requested under any such budget shall be apportioned among the party states as follows: one-half in equal shares and the remainder in proportion to the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined. In determining such values, the Commission shall employ such available public source or sources of information as, in its judgment, present the most equitable and accurate comparisons among the party states. Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures and requests for appropriations shall indicate the source or sources used in obtaining information concerning the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"37":{"id":1357028,"text":"The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The Commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, provided that the Commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring any obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"38":{"id":1357029,"text":"The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"39":{"id":1357030,"text":"The accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"40":{"id":1357031,"text":"Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the Commission.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VIII\t\t\tENTRY INTO FORCE AND WITHDRAWAL","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"A"},"41":{"id":1357032,"text":"This compact shall enter into force when enacted into law by any four or more states. Thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state upon its enactment thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"B"},"42":{"id":1357033,"text":"Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the Governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\tARTICLE IX\t\t\tEFFECT ON OTHER LAWS\t\t\tNothing in this compact shall be construed to limit, repeal, or supersede any other law of any party state.\t\t\tARTICLE X\t\t\tCONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating herein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51989,"edition_id":2,"name":"Interstate Mining Compact","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":2,"parent_id":51928,"metadata":{"child_laws":2,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:51:49","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:33:33","permalink":{"id":1449611,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51989,"identifier":"2","token":"45.2\/I\/2","url":"\/45.2\/I\/2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51928,"edition_id":2,"name":"Administration","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":51927,"metadata":{"child_laws":23,"child_structures":6},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:51:17","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:33:32","permalink":{"id":1449543,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51928,"identifier":"I","token":"45.2\/I","url":"\/45.2\/I\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51927,"edition_id":2,"name":"Mines, Minerals, and Energy","identifier":"45.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":99,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":627,"child_structures":120},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:51:17","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:33:32","permalink":{"id":1449541,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51927,"identifier":"45.2","token":"45.2","url":"\/45.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":364255,"structure_id":51989,"section_number":"45.2-200","catch_line":"Governor authorized to execute Interstate Mining Compact","url":"\/45.2-200\/","token":"45.2\/I\/2\/45.2-200","metadata":false},{"id":364265,"structure_id":51989,"section_number":"45.2-201","catch_line":"Interstate Mining Compact","url":"\/45.2-201\/","token":"45.2\/I\/2\/45.2-201","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":364255,"structure_id":51989,"section_number":"45.2-200","catch_line":"Governor authorized to execute Interstate Mining Compact","url":"\/45.2-200\/","token":"45.2\/I\/2\/45.2-200","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/45.2-201\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1977. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 468 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1977 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online.<\/p>","references":[{"id":364008,"section_number":"45.2-1051","catch_line":" Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Fund Advisory Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1051\/"},{"id":364255,"section_number":"45.2-200","catch_line":"Governor authorized to execute Interstate Mining Compact","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-200\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1449617,"object_type":"law","relational_id":364265,"identifier":"45.2-201","token":"45.2\/I\/2\/45.2-201","url":"\/45.2-201\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/45.2-201\/","token":"45.2\/I\/2\/45.2-201","dublin_core":{"Title":"Interstate Mining Compact","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 45.2-201","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

INTERSTATE MINING<\/span> COMPACT

\t\tARTICLE I

\t\tFINDINGS<\/span> AND PURPOSES<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The party<\/span> states<\/span> find that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Mining<\/span> and the contributions thereof to the economy and well-being of every state<\/span> are of basic significance. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The effects of mining<\/span> on the availability of land, water, and other resources for other uses present special problems that properly can be approached only with due consideration for the rights and interests of those engaged in mining<\/span>, those using or proposing to use these resources for other purposes, and the public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Measures for the reduction of the adverse effects of mining<\/span> on land, water, and other resources may be costly and the devising of means to deal with them are of both public and private concern. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Such variables as soil structure and composition, physiography, climatic conditions, and the needs of the public make impracticable the application to all mining<\/span> areas of a single standard for the conservation, adaptation, or restoration of mined land, or the development of mineral and other natural resources, but justifiable requirements of law<\/span> and practice relating to the effects of mining<\/span> on land, water, and other resources may be reduced in equity<\/span> or effectiveness unless they pertain similarly from state<\/span> to state<\/span> for all mining<\/span> operations similarly situated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The states<\/span> are in a position and have the responsibility to assure that mining<\/span> shall be conducted in accordance with sound conservation principles and with due regard for local conditions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The purposes of this compact are to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Advance the protection and restoration of land, water, and other resources affected by mining<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Assist in the reduction or elimination or counteracting of pollution or deterioration of land, water, and air attributable to mining<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Encourage, with due recognition of relevant regional, physical, and other differences, programs in each of the party<\/span> states<\/span> that will achieve comparable results in protecting, conserving, and improving the usefulness of natural resources, to the end that the most desirable conduct of mining<\/span> and related operations may be universally facilitated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Assist the party<\/span> states<\/span> in their efforts to facilitate the use of land and other resources affected by mining<\/span>, so that such use may be consistent with sound land use, public health, and public safety, and to this end to study and recommend, wherever desirable, techniques for the improvement, restoration, or protection of such land and other resources. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Assist in achieving and maintaining an efficient and productive mining<\/span> industry and in increasing economic and other benefits attributable to mining<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE II

\t\t\t\tDEFINITIONS

\t\t\t\tAs used in this compact:

\t\t\t\t“Mining<\/span>” means the breaking of the surface soil in order<\/span> to facilitate or accomplish the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, or other solid matter, any activity or process constituting all or part of a process for the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, and other solid matter from its original location, and the preparation, washing, cleaning, or other treatment of minerals, ores, or other solid matter so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction use but shall not include those aspects of deep mining<\/span> not having significant effect on the surface and shall not include excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of onsite farming or construction.

\t\t\t\t“State<\/span>” means a state<\/span> of the United States<\/span>, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession<\/span> of the United States<\/span>.

\t\t\t\tARTICLE III

\t\t\t\tSTATE<\/span> PROGRAMS

\t\t\t\tEach party<\/span> state<\/span> agrees that within a reasonable time it will formulate and establish an effective program for the conservation and use of mined land, by the establishment of standards, enactment of laws<\/span>, or the continuing of the same in force, to accomplish: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The protection of the public and the protection of adjoining and other landowners from damage to their lands and the structures and other property thereon resulting from the conduct of mining<\/span> operations or the abandonment or neglect of land and property formerly used in the conduct of such operations. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The conduct of mining<\/span> and the handling of refuse and other mining<\/span> wastes in ways that will reduce adverse effects on the economic, residential, recreational, or aesthetic value and utility of land and water. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The institution and maintenance of suitable programs of adaptation, restoration, and rehabilitation of mined lands. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The prevention, abatement, and control of water, air, and soil pollution resulting from mining<\/span>, present, past, and future.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE IV

\t\t\t\tPOWERS

\t\t\t\tIn addition to any other powers conferred upon the Interstate Mining<\/span> Commission, established by Article V of this compact, the Commission shall have power to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Study mining<\/span> operations, processes, and techniques for the purpose of gaining knowledge concerning the effects of such operations, processes, and techniques on land, soil, water, air, plant and animal life, recreation, and patterns of community or regional development or change. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Study the conservation, adaptation, improvement, and restoration of land and related resources affected by mining<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Make recommendations concerning any aspect or aspects of law<\/span> or practice and governmental administration dealing with matters within the purview of this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Gather and disseminate information relating to any of the matters within the purview of this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Cooperate with the federal government and any public or private entities having interest in any subject coming within the purview of this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Consult, upon the request of a party<\/span> state<\/span> and within resources available therefor, with the officials of such state<\/span> in respect to any problem within the purview of this compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Study and make recommendations with respect to any practice, process, technique, or course of action that may improve the efficiency of mining<\/span> or the economic yield from mining<\/span> operations. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Study and make recommendations relating to the safeguarding of access to resources that are or may become the subject of mining<\/span> operations to the end that the needs of the economy for the products of mining<\/span> may not be adversely affected by unplanned or inappropriate use of land and other resources containing minerals or otherwise connected with actual or potential mining<\/span> sites.\n\t\t\t\tARTICLE V

\t\t\t\tTHE COMMISSION <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> There is hereby created an agency of the party<\/span> states<\/span> to be known as the Interstate Mining<\/span> Commission (the Commission). The Commission shall be composed of one commissioner from each party<\/span> state<\/span> who shall be the Governor thereof. Pursuant to the laws<\/span> of his party<\/span> state<\/span>, each Governor shall have the assistance of any advisory body (including membership from mining<\/span> industries, conservation interests, and such other public and private interests as may be appropriate) in considering problems relating to mining<\/span> and in discharging his responsibilities as the commissioner of his state<\/span> on the Commission. In any instance where a Governor is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission or perform any other function in connection with the business of the Commission, he shall designate an alternate from among the members of the advisory body required by this subsection who shall represent him and act in his place and stead. The designation of an alternate shall be communicated by the Governor to the Commission in such manner as its bylaws may provide. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The commissioners shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission making a recommendation pursuant to subdivision 3, 7, or 8 of Article IV or requesting, accepting, or disposing of funds, services, or other property pursuant to this subsection, subsection G or H of this article, or Article VII shall be valid unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the Commission is cast in favor thereof. All other action shall be by a majority of those present and voting, provided that action of the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners, or their alternates, is present. The Commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission shall have a seal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, a vice-chairman, and a treasurer. The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director<\/span> and fix his duties and compensation. Such Executive Director<\/span> shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Executive Director<\/span>, the Treasurer, and such other personnel as the Commission shall designate shall be bonded. The amount or amounts of such bond<\/span> or bonds<\/span> shall be determined by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Irrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws<\/span> of any of the party<\/span> states<\/span>, the Executive Director<\/span> with the approval of the Commission shall appoint, remove, or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Commission may establish and maintain independently or in conjunction with a party<\/span> state<\/span>, a suitable retirement system for its employees. Employees of the Commission shall be eligible for social security coverage in respect of old age and survivor’s insurance, provided that the Commission takes such steps as may be necessary pursuant to the laws<\/span> of the United States<\/span> to participate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The Commission may establish and maintain or participate in such additional programs of employee benefits as it may deem appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The Commission may borrow, accept, or contract<\/span> for the services of personnel from any state<\/span>, the United States<\/span>, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> The Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials<\/span>, and service, conditional or otherwise, from any state<\/span>, the United States<\/span>, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, or corporation, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this subsection or services borrowed pursuant to subsection G of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount, and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed and the identity of the donor or lender. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> The Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend<\/span> and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party<\/span> states<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> The Commission annually shall make to the Governor, legislature, and advisory body required by subsection A of this article of each party<\/span> state<\/span> a report covering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year and embodying such recommendations as may have been made by the Commission. The Commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VI

\t\t\tADVISORY, TECHNICAL, AND REGIONAL COMMITTEES

\t\t\tThe Commission shall establish such advisory, technical, and regional committees as it may deem necessary, membership on which shall include private persons and public officials, and shall cooperate with and use the services of any such committees and the organizations that the members represent in furthering any of its activities. Such committees may be formed to consider problems of special interest to any party<\/span> states<\/span>, problems dealing with particular commodities or types of mining<\/span> operations, problems related to reclamation, development, or use of mined land, or any other matters of concern to the Commission.

\t\t\tARTICLE VII

\t\t\tFINANCE <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission shall submit to the Governor or designated officer or officers of each party<\/span> state<\/span> a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws<\/span> of that party<\/span> state<\/span> for presentation to the legislature thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party<\/span> states<\/span>. The total amount of appropriations requested under any such budget shall be apportioned among the party<\/span> states<\/span> as follows: one-half in equal shares and the remainder in proportion to the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined. In determining such values, the Commission shall employ such available public source or sources of information as, in its judgment<\/span>, present the most equitable<\/span> and accurate comparisons among the party<\/span> states<\/span>. Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures and requests for appropriations shall indicate the source or sources used in obtaining information concerning the value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party<\/span> state<\/span>. The Commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, provided that the Commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring any obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds available to it under subsection H of Article V, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party<\/span> states<\/span> adequate to meet the same. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party<\/span> states<\/span> and by any persons authorized by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance with laws<\/span> relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the Commission.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VIII

\t\t\tENTRY INTO FORCE AND WITHDRAWAL <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> This compact shall enter into force when enacted into law<\/span> by any four or more states<\/span>. Thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state<\/span> upon its enactment thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any party<\/span> state<\/span> may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute<\/span> repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the Governor of the withdrawing state<\/span> has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party<\/span> states<\/span>. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party<\/span> state<\/span> prior to the time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\tARTICLE IX

\t\t\tEFFECT ON OTHER LAWS<\/span>

\t\t\tNothing in this compact shall be construed to limit, repeal, or supersede any other law<\/span> of any party<\/span> state<\/span>.

\t\t\tARTICLE X

\t\t\tCONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

\t\t\tThis compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state<\/span> or of the United States<\/span> or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state<\/span> participating herein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party<\/span> states<\/span> and in full force and effect as to the state<\/span> affected as to all severable matters. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nINTERSTATE MINING COMPACT (\u00a7 45.2-201)\n\nINTERSTATE MINING COMPACT\t\tARTICLE I\t\tFINDINGS AND PURPOSES\n\nA. The party states find that:\n\n 1. Mining and the contributions thereof to the economy and well-being of every\n state are of basic significance.\n\n 2. The effects of mining on the availability of land, water, and other\n resources for other uses present special problems that properly can be\n approached only with due consideration for the rights and interests of those\n engaged in mining, those using or proposing to use these resources for other\n purposes, and the public.\n\n 3. Measures for the reduction of the adverse effects of mining on land, water,\n and other resources may be costly and the devising of means to deal with them\n are of both public and private concern.\n\n 4. Such variables as soil structure and composition, physiography, climatic\n conditions, and the needs of the public make impracticable the application to\n all mining areas of a single standard for the conservation, adaptation, or\n restoration of mined land, or the development of mineral and other natural\n resources, but justifiable requirements of law and practice relating to the\n effects of mining on land, water, and other resources may be reduced in equity\n or effectiveness unless they pertain similarly from state to state for all\n mining operations similarly situated.\n\n 5. The states are in a position and have the responsibility to assure that\n mining shall be conducted in accordance with sound conservation principles and\n with due regard for local conditions.\n\nB. The purposes of this compact are to:\n\n 1. Advance the protection and restoration of land, water, and other resources\n affected by mining.\n\n 2. Assist in the reduction or elimination or counteracting of pollution or\n deterioration of land, water, and air attributable to mining.\n\n 3. Encourage, with due recognition of relevant regional, physical, and other\n differences, programs in each of the party states that will achieve comparable\n results in protecting, conserving, and improving the usefulness of natural\n resources, to the end that the most desirable conduct of mining and related\n operations may be universally facilitated.\n\n 4. Assist the party states in their efforts to facilitate the use of land and\n other resources affected by mining, so that such use may be consistent with\n sound land use, public health, and public safety, and to this end to study and\n recommend, wherever desirable, techniques for the improvement, restoration, or\n protection of such land and other resources.\n\n 5. Assist in achieving and maintaining an efficient and productive mining\n industry and in increasing economic and other benefits attributable to mining.\n \t\t\t\tARTICLE II\t\t\t\tDEFINITIONS\t\t\t\tAs used in this\n compact:\t\t\t\t“Mining” means the breaking of the surface soil in\n order to facilitate or accomplish the extraction or removal of minerals, ores,\n or other solid matter, any activity or process constituting all or part of a\n process for the extraction or removal of minerals, ores, and other solid\n matter from its original location, and the preparation, washing, cleaning, or\n other treatment of minerals, ores, or other solid matter so as to make them\n suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction use but shall not include\n those aspects of deep mining not having significant effect on the surface and\n shall not include excavation or grading when conducted solely in aid of onsite\n farming or construction.\t\t\t\t“State” means a state of the United\n States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a\n territory or possession of the United States.\t\t\t\tARTICLE III\t\t\t\tSTATE\n PROGRAMS\t\t\t\tEach party state agrees that within a reasonable time it will\n formulate and establish an effective program for the conservation and use of\n mined land, by the establishment of standards, enactment of laws, or the\n continuing of the same in force, to accomplish:\n\n 1. The protection of the public and the protection of adjoining and other\n landowners from damage to their lands and the structures and other property\n thereon resulting from the conduct of mining operations or the abandonment or\n neglect of land and property formerly used in the conduct of such operations.\n\n 2. The conduct of mining and the handling of refuse and other mining wastes in\n ways that will reduce adverse effects on the economic, residential,\n recreational, or aesthetic value and utility of land and water.\n\n 3. The institution and maintenance of suitable programs of adaptation,\n restoration, and rehabilitation of mined lands.\n\n 4. The prevention, abatement, and control of water, air, and soil pollution\n resulting from mining, present, past, and future.\n \t\t\t\tARTICLE IV\t\t\t\tPOWERS\t\t\t\tIn addition to any other powers conferred upon the\n Interstate Mining Commission, established by Article V of this compact, the\n Commission shall have power to:\n\n 1. Study mining operations, processes, and techniques for the purpose of\n gaining knowledge concerning the effects of such operations, processes, and\n techniques on land, soil, water, air, plant and animal life, recreation, and\n patterns of community or regional development or change.\n\n 2. Study the conservation, adaptation, improvement, and restoration of land\n and related resources affected by mining.\n\n 3. Make recommendations concerning any aspect or aspects of law or practice\n and governmental administration dealing with matters within the purview of\n this compact.\n\n 4. Gather and disseminate information relating to any of the matters within\n the purview of this compact.\n\n 5. Cooperate with the federal government and any public or private entities\n having interest in any subject coming within the purview of this compact.\n\n 6. Consult, upon the request of a party state and within resources available\n therefor, with the officials of such state in respect to any problem within\n the purview of this compact.\n\n 7. Study and make recommendations with respect to any practice, process,\n technique, or course of action that may improve the efficiency of mining or\n the economic yield from mining operations.\n\n 8. Study and make recommendations relating to the safeguarding of access to\n resources that are or may become the subject of mining operations to the end\n that the needs of the economy for the products of mining may not be adversely\n affected by unplanned or inappropriate use of land and other resources\n containing minerals or otherwise connected with actual or potential mining\n sites.\n \t\t\t\tARTICLE V\t\t\t\tTHE COMMISSION\n\nA. There is hereby created an agency of the party states to be known as the\nInterstate Mining Commission (the Commission). The Commission shall be composed\nof one commissioner from each party state who shall be the Governor thereof.\nPursuant to the laws of his party state, each Governor shall have the assistance\nof any advisory body (including membership from mining industries, conservation\ninterests, and such other public and private interests as may be appropriate) in\nconsidering problems relating to mining and in discharging his responsibilities\nas the commissioner of his state on the Commission. In any instance where a\nGovernor is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission or perform any other\nfunction in connection with the business of the Commission, he shall designate\nan alternate from among the members of the advisory body required by this\nsubsection who shall represent him and act in his place and stead. The\ndesignation of an alternate shall be communicated by the Governor to the\nCommission in such manner as its bylaws may provide.\n\nB. The commissioners shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No\naction of the Commission making a recommendation pursuant to subdivision 3, 7,\nor 8 of Article IV or requesting, accepting, or disposing of funds, services, or\nother property pursuant to this subsection, subsection G or H of this article,\nor Article VII shall be valid unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of\nthe total number of votes on the Commission is cast in favor thereof. All other\naction shall be by a majority of those present and voting, provided that action\nof the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the\ncommissioners, or their alternates, is present. The Commission may establish and\nmaintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its\nbusiness. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal\nproperty and any interest therein.\n\nC. The Commission shall have a seal.\n\nD. The Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, a\nvice-chairman, and a treasurer. The Commission shall appoint an Executive\nDirector and fix his duties and compensation. Such Executive Director shall\nserve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Executive Director, the Treasurer,\nand such other personnel as the Commission shall designate shall be bonded. The\namount or amounts of such bond or bonds shall be determined by the Commission.\n\nE. Irrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws of\nany of the party states, the Executive Director with the approval of the\nCommission shall appoint, remove, or discharge such personnel as may be\nnecessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions and shall fix\nthe duties and compensation of such personnel.\n\nF. The Commission may establish and maintain independently or in conjunction\nwith a party state, a suitable retirement system for its employees. Employees of\nthe Commission shall be eligible for social security coverage in respect of old\nage and survivor’s insurance, provided that the Commission takes such\nsteps as may be necessary pursuant to the laws of the United States to\nparticipate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The\nCommission may establish and maintain or participate in such additional programs\nof employee benefits as it may deem appropriate.\n\nG. The Commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel\nfrom any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any\nperson, firm, association, or corporation.\n\nH. The Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this\ncompact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies,\nmaterials, and service, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United\nStates, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association,\nor corporation, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of the same. Any donation\nor grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this subsection or services\nborrowed pursuant to subsection G of this article shall be reported in the\nannual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount,\nand conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed and the\nidentity of the donor or lender.\n\nI. The Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall\nhave the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish\nits bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any\namendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party\nstates.\n\nJ. The Commission annually shall make to the Governor, legislature, and advisory\nbody required by subsection A of this article of each party state a report\ncovering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year and embodying\nsuch recommendations as may have been made by the Commission. The Commission may\nmake such additional reports as it may deem desirable.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VI\t\t\tADVISORY, TECHNICAL, AND REGIONAL COMMITTEES\t\t\tThe Commission\nshall establish such advisory, technical, and regional committees as it may deem\nnecessary, membership on which shall include private persons and public\nofficials, and shall cooperate with and use the services of any such committees\nand the organizations that the members represent in furthering any of its\nactivities. Such committees may be formed to consider problems of special\ninterest to any party states, problems dealing with particular commodities or\ntypes of mining operations, problems related to reclamation, development, or use\nof mined land, or any other matters of concern to the Commission.\t\t\tARTICLE\nVII\t\t\tFINANCE\n\nA. The Commission shall submit to the Governor or designated officer or officers\nof each party state a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as\nmay be required by the laws of that party state for presentation to the\nlegislature thereof.\n\nB. Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall\ncontain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by\neach of the party states. The total amount of appropriations requested under any\nsuch budget shall be apportioned among the party states as follows: one-half in\nequal shares and the remainder in proportion to the value of minerals, ores, and\nother solid matter mined. In determining such values, the Commission shall\nemploy such available public source or sources of information as, in its\njudgment, present the most equitable and accurate comparisons among the party\nstates. Each of the Commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures and\nrequests for appropriations shall indicate the source or sources used in\nobtaining information concerning the value of minerals, ores, and other solid\nmatter mined.\n\nC. The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The Commission\nmay meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it\nunder subsection H of Article V, provided that the Commission takes specific\naction setting aside such funds prior to incurring any obligation to be met in\nwhole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds\navailable to it under subsection H of Article V, the Commission shall not incur\nany obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to\nmeet the same.\n\nD. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and\ndisbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject\nto the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All\nreceipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited\nyearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be\nincluded in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.\n\nE. The accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for\ninspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons\nauthorized by the Commission.\n\nF. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance\nwith laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any\ngovernment contributing to the support of the Commission.\n\t\t\tARTICLE VIII\t\t\tENTRY INTO FORCE AND WITHDRAWAL\n\nA. This compact shall enter into force when enacted into law by any four or more\nstates. Thereafter, this compact shall become effective as to any other state\nupon its enactment thereof.\n\nB. Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute\nrepealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year\nafter the Governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the\nwithdrawal to the Governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall\naffect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to\nthe time of such withdrawal.\n\t\t\tARTICLE IX\t\t\tEFFECT ON OTHER LAWS\t\t\tNothing in this compact shall be\nconstrued to limit, repeal, or supersede any other law of any party\nstate.\t\t\tARTICLE X\t\t\tCONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY\t\t\tThis compact shall be\nliberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of\nthis compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or\nprovision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any\nstate or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government,\nagency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder\nof this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person,\nor circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held\ncontrary to the constitution of any state participating herein, the compact\nshall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and in\nfull force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.\n\nHISTORY: 1977, c. 468, \u00a7 45.1-271; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}