Embarking on a mining project demands a meticulous understanding of the permitting landscape. Each state in the U.S. has a designated primary agency overseeing the mining sector, ensuring that operations align with established environmental and safety standards. This guide presents a concise list of these central agencies for each state, accompanied by direct links to their websites for easy access. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that while these agencies play a primary role, the permitting process can extend beyond them. In states like California, for instance, additional entities may come into play. On top of state-level permits, operations such as sand and gravel or crushed stone mining and processing might necessitate permits related to water discharge, air quality, habitat protection, and land reclamation, among others. The state permit is foundational, but it’s just one of many potential permits an operation might require, with federal, county, and local permissions also often being key components of a comprehensive permitting strategy.