43 C.F.R. § 3590.0-1

The purpose of the regulations in this part is to promote orderly and efficient prospecting, exploration, testing, development, mining and processing operations and production practices without waste or avoidable loss of minerals or damage to deposits; to encourage maximum recovery and use of all known mineral resources; to promote operating practices which will avoid, minimize or correct damage to the environment—land, water and air—and avoid, minimize or correct hazards to public health and safety; and to obtain a proper record and accounting of all minerals produced.