§1851. Coal depredations

Whoever mines or removes coal of any character, whether anthracite, bituminous, or lignite, from beds or deposits in lands of, or reserved to the United States, with intent wrongfully to appropriate, sell, or dispose of the same, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

This section shall not interfere with any right or privilege conferred by existing laws of the United States.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 787 ; Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §601(a)(8), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3498 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§103a, 103b (July 3, 1926, ch. 780, §§1, 2, 44 Stat. 891 ).

Section consolidates sections 103a and 103b of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.

Words "deemed guilty of misdemeanor" were deleted as unnecessary in view of definitive section 1 of this title. (See also reviser's note under section 212 of this title.)

Minor changes were made in phraseology.

Amendments

1996-Pub. L. 104–294 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $1,000" in first par.

Cross References

Entry on coal lands in general, see section 71 et seq. of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining.

Entry under nonmineral land laws of coal lands with reservation of coal to United States, see section 81 et seq. of Title 30.

Lease of mineral deposits within acquired lands, see section 351 et seq. of Title 30.

Leases and prospecting permits on lands containing coal, see sections 181 et seq., 201 et seq., of Title 30.