Mining Law

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Mining Law of 1977 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to regulate hardrock mineral prospecting on Federal lands through the issuance of prospecting licenses. Prohibits such prospecting without a license. Requires that licensees avoid any significant disturbance of the environment. Imposes criminal penalties for each day for violations of such requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude Federal lands from prospecting, exploration, or development under this Act. Authorizes affected States and individuals to petition the Secretary to exclude or to revoke an exclusion under such provision. Authorizes the Secretary to issue exploration leases for hardrock minerals in accordance with prescribed criteria. Stipulates that such leases shall be issued without competitive bidding to the first qualified applicant, except that owners of valid claims under the Mining Law of 1972 shall have a preference right with respect to the area of such claim. Imposes limits on the amount of land which can be leased by an individual in a single tract or in a single State. Stipulates that holders of hardrock exploration leases shall be eligible for hardrock development and production leases. Specif…