---
title: "Work out whether a surface-coal reclamation bond must be filed"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/work-out-whether-a-mining-rehabilitation-levy-is-payable/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A13-PU20261022-10-US"
practice_area: "Energy, Resources & Mining"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Work out whether a surface-coal reclamation bond must be filed

> From the permit papers, list the permit area, whether the application is described as approved, and whether a performance bond is already in the file. Do not set the bond amount and do not complete the bond form.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/work-out-whether-a-mining-rehabilitation-levy-is-payable/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Energy, Resources & Mining](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the permit papers, list the permit area, whether the application is described as approved, and whether a performance bond is already in the file. Do not set the bond amount and do not complete the bond form. |
| What the lawyer must review | After a surface-coal mining and reclamation permit application has been approved, and before the permit is issued, the applicant files a performance bond with the regulatory authority, payable to the United States or the State, and conditional on faithful performance of the chapter and the permit (30 U.S.C. § 1259(a)). The amount must be sufficient to complete the reclamation plan if the regulatory authority had to do the work, and the bond for the entire area under one permit must not be less than $10,000. Liability runs for the operation and for the operator's revegetation responsibility under § 1265. You set the amount and you approve the bond. This is the surface-coal permit. It is not a hardrock levy, and it is not a charge worked out from a rehabilitation-liability estimate. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Work out whether a mining rehabilitation levy is payable](https://ailawframework.com/practice/energy-resources-and-mining/work-out-whether-a-mining-rehabilitation-levy-is-payable.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the permit papers, list the permit area, whether the application is described as approved, and whether a performance bond is already in the file. Do not set the bond amount and do not complete the bond form.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The bond form is the one prescribed by the regulatory authority. That form was not opened.
- A State program may administer the same chapter.

## Sources

- [30 U.S.C. § 1259, Performance bonds](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/1259) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [30 U.S.C. § 1258, Reclamation plan requirements](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/30/1258) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*