This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify the financial assurance requirements for nonferrous mining operations. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that require applicants for a nonferrous permit to mine to provide a certificate of an environmental impairment liability policy, which must cover all loss, liability, and cleanup costs resulting from pollutant releases during mining operations. Additionally, the bill specifies that the financial assurance must be in the form of a cash bond or cash deposit sufficient to cover reclamation activities and corrective actions for noncompliance with permit criteria.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the commissioner of natural resources must conduct an annual review of each operator's financial assurance to ensure it remains adequate. The amendments also clarify the requirements for the application process, including the need for public advertisement of the proposed mining area and reclamation operations. Overall, these changes aim to enhance environmental protection and ensure that mining operations are financially accountable for their impact.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 93.481, 93.49