Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 2002

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 2002 - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration and development on public domain lands. Declares, under certain conditions, that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. Subjects existing and/or future unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites, with specified exceptions, to an annual claim maintenance fee payable to the Secretary of the Interior in lieu of the assessment work requirement contained in the general mining laws and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Exempts from the mandated fee any claimants holding ten or fewer mining claims who elect to perform the assessment work. Requires locators of unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites located after this Act's enactment to pay a location fee. Imposes penalties against holders of mining claims for noncompliance with this Act. Requires, with respect to environmental considerations of mineral exploration and development on public domain lands: (1) a permit, with exceptions, to engage in mineral activities on Federal land that may cause a dis…