California Mine Reclamation Bond

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Bond Penalty: Set by Office of Mine Reclamation

A California Mine Reclamation Bond is a financial assurance required under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), codified in the California Public Resources Code §2773.1. This surety obligation guarantees that the permittee (mine operator) will faithfully reclaim the land disturbed by surface mining activities in accordance with an approved reclamation plan and all applicable regulations. We offer fast, nationwide underwriting of mine reclamation bonds for California mining operations. Whether you are developing a new project or updating a current financial assurance, we can help you stay compliant with state and local requirements.

The California mine reclamation bond is required by The California Department of Conservation, Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR). There may also be a local requirement that runs to the City or County in which a mining permit application must be filed. A California mine reclamation bond ensures reclamation of disturbed lands occurs per the approved mining and reclamation plan,that the permittee will follow all conditions under SMARA and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (§3500 et seq.). The financial assurance instrument must remain in place until the reclamation work is completed to the satisfaction of the permitting agencies. If the operator defaults or fails to perform the required reclamation, the bond may be forfeited and used to complete the work.The state CAN asses attorney fees and costs in case of an enforcement action.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

The penal sum (bond amount) is based on:

  • The estimated cost of completing the reclamation plan,
  • Site conditions and scope of the mining project,
  • Any incremental bonding for phased operations.

Bond amounts are subject to review and adjustment by the permitting agency and the Department of Conservation. Questions about bond and permitting process may be directed to the OMR:

Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR)
California Department of Conservation
715 P Street, MS 1906
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 323-9198
conservation.ca.gov/omr

Applying for a reclamation bond should be accomplished through a surety underwriter with unique knowledge and experience with this sector. One does not go to a plumber for brain surgery so do not expect to obtain a reclamation bond from your personal insurance agent. Surety One, Inc. is the California surety bond leader. We offer both surety and fidelity bonds needed by local, state and federal government entities in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Questions about a reclamation bond? Call us at (800) 373-2804, email us at Underwriting@SuretyOne.com or click here for live chat.

Surety bond application review and quoting are free of charge. There is no obligation to purchase.

What We Need From You

Additional Attachments

  • Current Business Financial Statement
  • Certificate of Operator Liability and Environmental Peril Insurance