The following glossary provides definitions for terms and
descriptions for acronyms that are used in the AML Handbook.
This glossary does not supersede definitions in relevant laws or
regulations. Abandoned Mine: An abandoned hardrock mine on or
affecting public lands administered by the BLM, at which
exploration, development, mining, reclamation, maintenance, and
inspection of facilities and equipment, and other operations
ceased as of January 1, 1981 (the effective date of the BLM’s
Surface Management regulations codified at 43 CFR Subpart 3809)
with no evidence demonstrating that the miner intends to resume
mining. For many abandoned mines, no current claimant of record
or viable potentially responsible party exists. Abandoned mines
generally include a range of mining impacts, or features that
may pose a threat to water quality, public safety, and/or the
environment. Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program: A BLM program
that focuses on reclaiming hardrock abandoned mine lands on or
affecting public lands admini