Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions hereinafter set forth shall govern the construction of Division II of this code.
Chapter 1Definitions
Section § 2001
This section states that unless it's clear otherwise, the definitions provided in Division II will be used to interpret its text.
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Section § 2002
This section clarifies that whenever the term "Department" is used regarding the state's government, it specifically refers to the Department of Conservation.
“Department,” in reference to the government of this state, means the Department of Conservation.
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Section § 2002.5
This law section defines the term "Director" specifically as the Director of Conservation.
“Director” means the Director of Conservation.
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Section § 2003
This law defines 'Survey' specifically as the California Geological Survey, which is part of the Department of Conservation.
“Survey,” in reference to the government of this state, means the California Geological Survey in the Department of Conservation.
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Section § 2004
This law defines the term "person" broadly to include not just individuals, but also entities like businesses, organizations, government divisions, and various forms of partnerships and corporations.
“Person” includes any individual, firm, association, corporation, organization, limited liability company, or partnership, or any city, county, district, or the state or any department or agency thereof.
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Section § 2005
This section defines what counts as 'minerals' under the law. Essentially, minerals are naturally occurring elements or compounds formed from non-living (inorganic) processes, and they include substances like coal, peat, and bituminous rock. However, it specifically excludes geothermal resources, natural gas, and petroleum from this definition.
“Minerals” means any naturally occurring chemical element or compound, or groups of elements and compounds, formed from inorganic processes and organic substances, including, but not limited to, coal, peat, and bituminous rock, but excluding geothermal resources, natural gas, and petroleum.
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Section § 2006
The term "State Geologist" refers to the person who occupies the position established by Section 677.
“State Geologist” means the individual holding the office created by Section 677.
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Section § 2006.5
The term "Supervisor of Mine Reclamation" refers to the person in charge of the Division of Mine Reclamation, which is created as per the rules in Section 607, subdivision (d).
“Supervisor of Mine Reclamation” or “supervisor” means the individual directing the Division of Mine Reclamation established pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 607.
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Section § 2007
In this section, "exploration" or "prospecting" refers to the process of searching for minerals. This involves various techniques such as geological surveys, geophysical and geochemical methods. It may also include activities like sampling, testing, and drilling to figure out what type of minerals are there and how much.
“Exploration” or “prospecting” means the search for minerals by geological, geophysical, geochemical or other techniques, including, but not limited to, sampling, assaying, drilling, or any surface or underground works needed to determine the type, extent, or quantity of minerals present.
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Section § 2008
This law defines the term "Board" to specifically mean the State Mining and Geology Board in this context.
“Board” means the State Mining and Geology Board.
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Section § 2009
This law defines a 'geologic hazard' as a natural geological condition that can endanger life and property. Examples of such hazards include earthquakes, landslides, erosion, soil expansion, faults moving, and volcanic eruptions.
“Geologic hazard” means a geologic condition that is a potential danger to life and property. Geologic hazards include, but are not limited to, earthquake shaking, landslide, erosion, expansive soil, fault displacement, and volcanic eruption.
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