HB 226: Mines and Mining — 2025

Rep. Dustin Manwaring (R-Pocatello) and the Idaho Mining Association introduced House Bill 226 to address projected shortfalls in the Idaho Abandoned Mine Fund. Idaho currently has an estimated 9,000+ abandoned mines located across the state, according to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), many of which threaten public safety, water quality, wildlife, and other sensitive resources.

Currently 67% of mine license taxes, paid by actively producing mines, is deposited into the Idaho General Fund, with the remaining 33% deposited into the Abandoned Mine Fund to cover restoration costs associated with delinquent mines on state, federal, or private property. If HB 226 is passed, it would increase split the mine tax 50-50% between Idaho General Fund and the Abandoned Mine Fund, increasing funding to address this important issue.

The bill requires that at least 90% of all funds be spent on direct expenses for engineering and on-site restoration at the abandoned mines, instead of on administrative overhead.

Finally, the bill establishes an advisory committee to assist the IDL in setting priorities and planning reclamation work, including members from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Governor’s Office of Energy & Mineral Resources, a county commissioner, a conservation organization, and several mining industry representatives.