THE CALIFORNIA STATE MINING AND GEOLOGY BOARD (1885-PRESENT): AMERICA'S OLDEST AND LONGEST RUNNING STATE GEOLOGY BOARD

The California State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) has played a pivotal role in implementing policy and serving the California Geological Survey and public interest since its founding in 1885. The SMGB has evolved over time, with its history divided into three major eras emphasizing the nature and focus of its responsibilities: Board of Trustees during the Administrative Era (1885-1913), State Mining Board during the Mineral Resource Development Era (1929-1965), and the State Mining and Geology Board during the Mineral Conservation, Reclamation and Geologic Hazards Era (1965-Present).

The Board of Trustees provided administrative oversight to the State Mineralogist and Bureau of Mines. The Board of Trustees was abolished in 1913, and re-established as the State Mining Board in 1929. During these early years, the State Mining Board provided general policy and guidance to the Governor and Division of Mines, and served an advisory role to the newly established Department of Natural Resources. During the period from 1929-1965, its primary focus was on development of the State's mineral resources. In 1965, the board was renamed the State Mining and Geology Board with a shift in emphasis from mineral resource development to geologic hazards and addressing the environmental impact from California's mining legacy, notably surface mining reclamation. By 1975, the SMGB was granted additional powers and duties in the areas of mine reclamation and seismic hazards.

Today's SMGB is housed within the Department of Conservation, and is characterized as an administrative, policy and regulatory board. The SMGB is composed of nine members with specific professional backgrounds who are appointed by the Governor. The SMGB is granted certain autonomous responsibilities and obligations under several statues. In concert with the Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, and Division of Mine Reclamation, remains engaged in implementing the legislative mandates of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, and the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. Over its 130 years existence, the board working in concert with the California Geological Survey has played a critical and significant role in guiding and developing the State's mineral resources and seismic hazards policies and programs, while serving the public's interest.