Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) is a California law that governs the extraction of minerals through surface mining. It aims to ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly by requiring companies to plan for and carry out reclamation—restoring the land to a safe, stable, and environmentally suitable condition after mining is finished. SMARA also enforces environmental protections, monitors ongoing mining operations, and ensures that reclaimed land benefits the community, balancing resource extraction with environmental preservation and land use planning.