James A. DeCarolis
Vice President, Project Manager

Email: jdecarolis@enviromineinc.com

James DeCarolis has over 12 years of experience in mining and environmental consulting, with a focus on reclamation planning, permitting, vested rights determinations, and economic analyses for mineral resource projects throughout California and the southwestern United States. His work primarily involves managing complex permitting efforts, coordinating a range of specialists, and representing client interests before local, state, and federal agencies.

Mr. DeCarolis has prepared and managed Reclamation Plans and Financial Assurance Cost Estimates under SMARA, and has supported federal permitting efforts through Plans of Operations and NEPA review. He has also worked extensively on vested rights determinations, including the research and documentation needed to support approvals. In addition, he contributes to economic analyses such as mineral property valuations, royalty studies, and aggregate market assessments. While his role today is focused on project management and permitting, he brings a strong background in GIS, AutoCAD, and UAV mapping to support project development when needed.

Experience

  • Project management of mining and environmental permitting efforts across California and the southwestern United States.

  • Preparation and management of Reclamation Plans and Financial Assurance Cost Estimates in compliance with SMARA.

  • Preparation of federal Plans of Operations and coordination of NEPA environmental review documentation.

  • Research and preparation of vested rights determinations, including historical land use analysis and regulatory strategy.

  • Preparation and support of mineral property valuations, royalty analyses, and aggregate market studies.

  • Coordination with technical specialists (biological, cultural, hydrological) and regulatory agencies to advance project approvals.

  • Completion of annual SMARA compliance inspections and reporting for multiple lead agencies.

  • Development and review of mine plans, site designs, and operational strategies.

  • Performed or supervised aerial photography and topographic mapping for more than 300 mine sites.

Work History

  • EnviroMINE, Inc., Vice President, Project Manager
    San Diego, California, 2014 - Present

  • Southern California Mountains Foundation, Restoration Intern/Supervisor
    Big Bear, California, Summer 2014

  • Jackman Group, Accounting Clerk & Administrative Assistant
    Coronado, California, Summer 2012 - 2013

Education

  • BA in Environmental Business, University of Redlands, 2014

Seminars and Training

  • CalCIMA Annual Educational Conferences, 2014 - Present

  • Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), 2016 – Present

  • ASPRS Certified UAS Technologist, 2017-2023

  • Surface Mining and Reclamation Act Seminar, HTHJ Law, 2018

  • Mine Inspector Training Workshop, CA Department of Conservation, 2018

  • Surface Mining and Reclamation Act Seminar, HTHG Law, 2022

  • Mine Inspector Training Workshop, CA Department of Conservation, 2023

  • Surface Mining and Reclamation Act Seminar, HTHG Law, 2026

Memberships and Affiliations

  • California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA)

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of work, James enjoys playing golf, snowboarding, and riding his motorcycle. He follows local sports and roots for the Chargers, Padres, Sockers, and Gulls. He and his wife spend much of their time traveling and checking off bucket list experiences. Some of the highlights so far have been a Zamboni ride, watching a rocket launch, and taking a hot air balloon ride, with plenty more still to come. At home, they stay busy with their Great Dane, Danner.