HF955

This bill addresses the regulation of mining activities in Minnesota, specifically focusing on nonferrous metallic minerals mining. It outlines several key revisions and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a mining permit:

1. Permit Requirement: All mining operations for metallic minerals in Minnesota need a permit from the commissioner after June 30, 1975. Mines operational as of the rule's effective date have 180 days to apply for this permit and can continue mining while the application is processed.

2. Application Requirements:

   • Submission of reclamation or restoration plans for the mining area.
   • Evidence of a public liability insurance policy or compliance with other state/federal self-insurance requirements to cover personal and property damage.
   • For nonferrous mineral mining, additional environmental impairment liability coverage for all losses, liabilities, and cleanup costs from pollutant release during mining or associated reclamation activities.

3. Application Fees:

   • $25,000 for a taconite mining operation.
   • $50,000 for a nonferrous metallic mineral operation.
   • $10,000 for a scram mining operation.
   • $5,000 for a peat operation.

4. Public Notification: Applicants must advertise details of their mining area and planned activities in a local newspaper for four weeks or just once for lean ore stockpile removal operations before filing the application.

5. Financial Assurance:

   • The bill requires a cash bond or cash deposit for nonferrous mining operations to cover reclamation activities, including closure and post-closure maintenance, as well as corrective actions for noncompliance with the permit terms.
   • The commissioner must annually review these financial assurances to ensure they are adequate.

These changes aim to enhance environmental protections and ensure more rigorous financial accountability and planning for mining operations, preventing pollutive damages and ensuring proper site restoration post-mining.