---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 546a–3"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "546a–3"
heading: "Minerals"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/546a-3"
units:
  - "Chapter 2 — National Forests"
  - "Subchapter II — Scenic Areas"
---

# §546a–3. Minerals


Subject to valid existing rights, the lands within the [scenic area](/usc/16/544.md?p=o) are hereby withdrawn from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing, including all laws pertaining to geothermal leasing. Also subject to valid existing rights, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall not allow any mineral development on federally owned land within the [scenic area](/usc/16/544.md?p=o), except that common varieties of mineral materials, such as stone and gravel, may be utilized only as authorized by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) to the extent necessary for construction and maintenance of roads and facilities within the [scenic area](/usc/16/544.md?p=o).


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 106–431, § 6, Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1907.)