Geology, Mines and MiningDefinitions
Section § 2001
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.
Section § 2002.5
Section § 2003
This law defines 'Survey' specifically as the California Geological Survey, which is part of the Department of Conservation.
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.
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.
Section § 2006
The term "State Geologist" refers to the person who occupies the position established by Section 677.
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).
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.
Section § 2008
This law defines the term "Board" to specifically mean the State Mining and Geology Board in this context.
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.