Senate Bill No. [number] proposes revisions to the laws governing mining leases on state lands in Montana. The bill establishes a minimum primary lease term of 10 years for mining metalliferous and nonmetallic minerals, which can be extended as long as production occurs in commercial quantities. It also allows for lease extensions in cases where a lease or permit is challenged in court or if an exploration license is obtained for the leased land. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department shall withhold geological information from public inspection for a minimum of five years after the expiration of a lease or permit to protect the economic interests of the lessee.

The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including provisions for lease modifications and public inspection rights. Notably, it replaces the previous discretionary language regarding lease terms with specific requirements for lease duration and conditions for termination. The bill also introduces definitions for terms such as "commercial quantities" and clarifies the conditions under which leases may not be terminated. The proposed changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for mining operations while ensuring the protection of both lessees' interests and public resources. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211
SB0520_1(1): 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211
SB0520_1(2): 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211
SB0520_1(3): 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211
SB0520_1(4): 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211
SB0520_1: 77-3-102, 77-3-117, 77-3-130, 77-3-203, 77-3-211