This bill amends the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act to provide that the Department of Environmental Protection may authorize a person to engage in pegmatite mining through a permit by rule if:
1. The activity is subject to and satisfies the requirements of the quarrying laws, as applicable, including, but not limited to, site reclamation requirements, environmental protection standards and public safety standards; and
2. The area on which active pegmatite mining is to occur covers 20 acres or less of surface area in total. Pegmatite mining conducted pursuant to such a permit by rule is not subject to the otherwise applicable requirements of the mining law, the otherwise applicable rules adopted pursuant to that law or the otherwise applicable fees for metallic mineral mining. The bill defines "pegmatite mining" as the extraction for commercial sale of pegmatite or similar minerals commonly found in pegmatite rock formations, including, but not limited to, gemstones, feldspar, mica and lithium-bearing minerals.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 795, SP 360: 38.490