NRS: CHAPTER 513 - COMMISSION ON MINERAL RESOURCES

[Rev. 4/15/2026 3:18:59 PM--2025]

CHAPTER 513 - COMMISSION ON MINERAL RESOURCES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 513.011 Definitions.

NRS 513.023 Creation; appointment of members; terms of office.

NRS 513.025 Composition.

NRS 513.033 Compensation of members.

NRS 513.043 Officers.

NRS 513.053 Meetings; quorum; minutes, audio recordings and transcripts.

NRS 513.063 Duties.

DIVISION OF MINERALS

NRS 513.073 Encouragement of exploration; collection and dissemination of educational information; maintenance of register of operations; record of annual production; administration of chapter 522 of NRS and regulations of Commission.

NRS 513.075 Suggested forms for required documents; regulations to ensure conformance in preparation of certain maps.

NRS 513.083 Administrator: Appointment; qualifications; classification; restrictions on other employment.

NRS 513.093 Administrator: Duties.

NRS 513.094 Imposition of additional fee for certain filings required by chapter 517 of NRS; Administrator required to establish program to discover dangerous conditions at nonoperating mines; employment of qualified assistant; regulations.

NRS 513.103 Account for the Division of Minerals: Creation; sources, lapse and use of money in Account.

NRS 513.108 Abatement of dangerous condition of nonoperating mines; reimbursement of Division.

NRS 513.113 Assistance from state agencies.

INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT

NRS 513.150 Enactment and text of Compact.

NRS 513.160 Designation of representative.

NRS 513.170 Effect of provisions of Compact on State law; no liability of State for employee retirement or benefits programs.

NRS 513.180 Inspection of books and accounts.

NRS 513.190 Bylaws; annual membership dues.

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GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 513.011 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

1. “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Division.

2. “Commission” means the Commission on Mineral Resources.

3. “Division” means the Division of Minerals of the Commission.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1148; A 1983, 2070; 1993, 1681; 1999, 3627)

NRS 513.023 Creation; appointment of members; terms of office.

1. The Commission on Mineral Resources, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, is hereby created.

2. The Governor shall appoint:

(a) Two persons who are familiar with large-scale mining;

(b) One person who is familiar with the production of oil and gas;

(d) One person who is familiar with the situations unique to small-scale mining and prospecting;

(e) One person who is familiar with the development of geothermal resources; and

(f) One member to represent the general public.

3. The members of the Commission shall serve terms of 4 years, except when appointed to fill unexpired terms.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2067)

NRS 513.025 Composition. The Commission consists of:

1. The members of the Commission appointed pursuant to NRS 513.023; and

2. The Division.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3626)

NRS 513.033 Compensation of members.

1. Each member of the Commission is entitled to receive a salary of not more than $80, as fixed by the Commission, for each day while engaged in the business of the Commission.

2. While engaged in the business of the Commission, each member and employee of the Commission is entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2068; A 1985, 434; 1989, 1717)

NRS 513.043 Officers.

1. The members of the Commission shall select a Chair from among their number who shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission.

2. The Administrator shall serve as Secretary of the Commission and shall keep the minutes and audio recordings or transcripts of its proceedings.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2068; A 1993, 1682; 2005, 1414)

NRS 513.053 Meetings; quorum; minutes, audio recordings and transcripts.

1. The Commission shall meet at such times and at such places as is specified by the call of the Chair or a majority of the Commission, but a meeting of the Commission must be held at least once every 4 months. In case of emergency, special meetings may be called by the Chair or by the Administrator.

2. Four members of the Commission constitute a quorum for transacting the business of the Commission.

3. The minutes and audio recordings or transcripts of each meeting of the Commission must be filed with the Division.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2068; A 1993, 1682; 2005, 1414)

NRS 513.063 Duties. The Commission shall:

1. Keep itself informed of and interested in the entire field of legislation and administration charged to the Division.

2. Report to the Governor, the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission created by NRS 514A.040 and the Legislature on all matters which it may deem pertinent to the Division, and concerning any specific matters previously requested by the Governor or the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission.

3. Advise and make recommendations to the Governor, the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission and the Legislature concerning the policy of this State relating to minerals.

4. Formulate the administrative policies of the Division.

5. Adopt regulations necessary for carrying out the duties of the Commission and the Division.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2068; A 1999, 3627; 2011, 2698)

DIVISION OF MINERALS

1. Encourage and assist in the exploration for and the production of oil, gas, geothermal energy and minerals within this State.

2. Collect and disseminate throughout the State information calculated to educate persons engaged in those enterprises and benefit those enterprises in this State, and any information pertaining to any program administered by the Division.

3. Maintain a register of all mining operations and operations for the production of oil, gas and geothermal energy in this State.

4. Record annually the production of each registered mining operation and operation for the production of oil, gas and geothermal energy in this State.

5. Administer the provisions of chapter 522 of NRS.

6. Administer any regulations adopted by the Commission.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2068; A 1993, 1682)

NRS 513.075 Suggested forms for required documents; regulations to ensure conformance in preparation of certain maps. The Division shall:

1. Prescribe a suggested form for each certificate or other document required to be recorded to locate or maintain a mining claim, mill site or tunnel right.

2. Adopt regulations to ensure that all maps established and maintained pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 517.040 and subsection 2 of NRS 517.100 are prepared in a similar manner.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 1493; A 1993, 1682)

NRS 513.083 Administrator: Appointment; qualifications; classification; restrictions on other employment.

1. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Division is the Administrator, who must be appointed by the Commission.

2. The Administrator of the Division:

(a) Must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and have substantial experience as an administrator or at least 5 years’ experience in the exploration for or the production or conservation of minerals.

(b) Is in the unclassified service of the State.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 284.143, shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the Administrator’s duties as a public officer and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2069; A 1993, 1683; 1995, 2316; 1999, 3627)

NRS 513.093 Administrator: Duties. The Administrator:

1. Shall coordinate the activities of the Division.

2. Shall report to the Commission upon all matters pertaining to the administration of the Division.

3. Shall attend each regular meeting of the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission created by NRS 514A.040 and each special meeting if requested by the Chair of that Commission and:

(a) Report to the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission on the activities of the Division undertaken since the Division’s previous report, including, without limitation, an accounting of any fees or fines imposed or collected;

(b) The current condition of mining and of exploration for and production of oil, gas and geothermal energy in the State; and

(c) Provide any technical information required by the Mining Oversight and Accountability Commission during the course of the meeting.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2069; A 1993, 1683; 2011, 2699; 2013, 1631)

1. An additional fee, in an amount established pursuant to subsection 4, is imposed upon all filings to which NRS 517.185 applies. Each county recorder shall collect and pay over the additional fee, and the additional fee must be deposited in the same manner as provided in that section.

2. The Administrator shall, within the limits of the money provided by this fee, establish a program to discover dangerous conditions that result from mining practices which took place at a mine that is no longer operating, identify if feasible the owner or other person responsible for the condition, and rank the conditions found in descending order of danger. The Administrator shall annually during the month of January, or more often if the danger discovered warrants, inform each board of county commissioners concerning the dangerous conditions found in the respective counties, including their degree of danger relative to one another and to those conditions found in the State as a whole. In addition, the Administrator shall work to educate the public to recognize and avoid those hazards resulting from mining practices which took place at a mine that is no longer operating.

3. To carry out this program and these duties, the Administrator shall employ a qualified assistant, who must be in the unclassified service of the State and whose position is in addition to the unclassified positions otherwise authorized in the Division by statute.

4. The Commission shall establish by regulation:

(a) The fee required pursuant to subsection 1, in an amount not to exceed $4 per claim.

(b) Standards for determining the conditions created by the abandonment of a former mine or its associated works that constitute a danger to persons or animals and for determining the relative degree of danger. A condition whose existence violates a federal or state statute or regulation intended to protect public health or safety is a danger because of that violation.

(c) Standards for abating the kinds of dangers usually found, including, but not limited to, standards for excluding persons and animals from dangerous open excavations.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1867; A 1993, 298, 1683; 1995, 579; 1999, 890, 3627; 2001, 66)

NRS 513.103 Account for the Division of Minerals: Creation; sources, lapse and use of money in Account.

1. The Account for the Division of Minerals is hereby created in the State General Fund.

2. The following special fees and money must be deposited in the Account:

(a) All fees collected pursuant to NRS 513.094, 517.185 and chapter 522 of NRS.

(b) All money collected pursuant to NRS 235.016.

(d) All fees collected pursuant to NRS 534A.080.

(e) Any money appropriated to the Division from the State General Fund.

3. No money except that appropriated from the State General Fund lapses to the State General Fund.

4. The money in the Account is appropriated to the Division. The money deposited in the Account pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 2, and the interest earned thereon, must be expended for the purposes of administering chapter 522 of NRS and the provisions of this chapter, except for NRS 513.108. The money deposited pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 2, and the interest earned thereon, must be distributed to the counties pursuant to NRS 513.108, except that portion required to pay the cost of administering the provisions of that section. All interest earned on the Account must remain in the Account.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 2070; A 1985, 303; 1987, 1868; 1989, 141; 1991, 1779; 1993, 111, 1684; 1995, 509)

NRS 513.108 Abatement of dangerous condition of nonoperating mines; reimbursement of Division.

1. The board of county commissioners in each county may apply to the Division for money to abate a dangerous condition resulting from mining practices which took place at a mine that is no longer operating.

2. The Division shall, within the limits of the money available pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 2 of NRS 513.103, provide counties with money to abate such dangerous conditions based on the relative degree of danger of those conditions.

3. If a county which receives money from the Division subsequently receives monetary compensation from the mine owner or other person responsible for the existence of the dangerous condition, it shall reimburse the Division to the extent of the compensation received. Any money received by the Division pursuant to this subsection must be deposited in the Account for the Division of Minerals created pursuant to NRS 513.103.

(Added to NRS by 1989, 141; A 1991, 1780; 1993, 1684)

NRS 513.113 Assistance from state agencies. The Division may request assistance from the Bureau of Mines and Geology of the State of Nevada and the State Engineer and cooperate with them in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 1149; A 1983, 2070; 1985, 1125; 1993, 1685)

INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT

NRS 513.150 Enactment and text of Compact. The Interstate Mining Compact is hereby ratified, enacted and entered into with all jurisdictions legally joining the Compact, in substantially the form set forth in this section:

INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT

ARTICLE I. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES

(a) The party States find that:

1. Mining and the contributions thereof to the economy and well-being of every State are of basic significance.

2. The effects of mining on the availability of land, water and other resources for other uses present special problems which 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 lands, 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.

5. 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.

(b) The purposes of this Compact are to:

1. Advance the protection and restoration of land, water and other resources affected by mining.

2. Assist in the reduction or elimination or counteracting of pollution or deterioration of land, water and air attributable to mining.

3. Encourage, with due recognition of relevant regional, physical, and other differences, programs in each of the party States which 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.

4. 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.

5. Assist in achieving and maintaining an efficient and productive mining industry and in increasing economic and other benefits attributable to mining.

ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS

As used in this Compact, the term:

(a) “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 of grading when conducted solely in aid of on-site farming or construction.

(b) “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.

ARTICLE III. STATE PROGRAMS

Each 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. The institution and maintenance of suitable programs of adaptation, restoration, and rehabilitation of mined lands.

4. The prevention, abatement and control of water, air and soil pollution resulting from mining - present, past and future.

ARTICLE IV. POWERS

In addition to any other powers conferred upon the Interstate Mining Commission, established by Article V of this Compact, such Commission shall have power to:

1. 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.

2. Study the conservation, adaptation, improvement and restoration of land and related resources affected by mining.

3. Make recommendations concerning any aspect or aspects of law or practice and governmental administration dealing with matters within the purview of this Compact.

4. Gather and disseminate information relating to any of the matters within the purview of this Compact.

5. Cooperate with the federal government and any public or private entities having interests in any subject coming within the purview of this Compact.

6. Consult, upon the request of a party State and within available resources, with the officials of such State in respect to any problem within the purview of this Compact.

7. 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.

8. Study and make recommendations relating to the safeguarding of access to resources which 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.

ARTICLE V. THE COMMISSION

(a) There is hereby created an agency of the party States to be known as the “Interstate Mining Commission,” hereinafter called “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 the party State, each Governor shall have the assistance of an 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 the responsibilities as a Commissioner 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 or she shall designate an alternate, from among the members of the advisory body required by this paragraph, who shall represent him or her and act in his or her 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.

(b) The Commissioners shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission making a recommendation pursuant to Article IV-3, IV-7, and IV-8 or requesting, accepting or disposing of funds, services, or other property pursuant to this paragraph, Article V(g), V(h), or 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 transaction of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

(d) 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 or her 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.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) 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.

(h) 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 services, 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 paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph (g) of the 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) 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.

(j) The Commission annually shall make to the Governor, legislature and advisory body required by Article V(a) 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.

ARTICLE VI. ADVISORY, TECHNICAL, AND REGIONAL COMMITTEES

The 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 the use and services of any such committees and the organizations which 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.

ARTICLE VII. FINANCE

(a) 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.

(b) 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 value of minerals, ores, and other solid matter mined.

(c) 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 Article V(h) of this Compact; 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 Article V(h) hereof, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party States adequate to meet the same.

(d) 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.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

ARTICLE VIII. ENTRY INTO FORCE AND WITHDRAWAL

(a) 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.

(b) Any party State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until 1 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.

ARTICLE IX. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS

Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to limit, repeal or supersede any other law of any party State.

ARTICLE X. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

This 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.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 1900)

NRS 513.160 Designation of representative. In accordance with Article V of the Interstate Mining Compact enacted pursuant to NRS 513.150, the Governor may designate a representative to serve as the alternate of the Governor to the Interstate Mining Compact and on the Interstate Mining Commission.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 1906)

NRS 513.170 Effect of provisions of Compact on State law; no liability of State for employee retirement or benefits programs.

1. No provision of the Interstate Mining Compact enacted pursuant to NRS 513.150 or any policy of the Interstate Mining Commission may be construed to limit, repeal or supersede any law of the State of Nevada.

2. The State of Nevada is not liable for the obligations or solvency of the retirement system or program of employee benefits described in paragraph (f) of Article V of the Interstate Mining Compact.

3. The Interstate Mining Commission is not an agency of this State or a political subdivision of this State.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 1906)

NRS 513.180 Inspection of books and accounts. The Governor and the Legislature or the designated agents thereof shall have the right to inspect the books and accounts of the Interstate Mining Commission at any reasonable time while Nevada is a member.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 1906)

NRS 513.190 Bylaws; annual membership dues.

1. As required by Article V of the Interstate Mining Compact enacted pursuant to NRS 513.150, the Interstate Mining Commission shall file a copy of the bylaws of the Commission with the Division of Minerals. The Division shall make a copy of the bylaws of the Interstate Mining Commission available for inspection by the public or the Legislature at any reasonable time.

2. The Administrator of the Division shall pay any annual membership dues owed to the Interstate Mining Commission from the Account for the Division of Minerals created pursuant to NRS 513.103 or, if authorized, from grants of money from the United States Department of the Interior.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 1906)