This bill amends existing laws governing mining and prospecting activities by introducing new definitions for terms such as "dimension stone," "mining," "mineral," "reclamation," "rock," and "prospect." It establishes exemptions for mining activities that predate August 24, 1979, and for the crushing of rock for construction aggregate. The bill also authorizes rulemaking for permitting, reclamation, and fees based on the volume of minerals extracted, while mandating that any disturbance of human remains during permitted activities must cease until authorized by relevant authorities. Key changes include the insertion of new language requiring fees based on mineral volume and a transition period for pending applications, alongside modifications to existing fee structures.

Furthermore, the bill updates the governance framework for geological and mining activities in New Hampshire by placing oversight under the state geologist, who will manage the New Hampshire geological survey. It removes the requirement for the state geologist to consult with the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources regarding mining permits, replacing references to RSA 12-E with RSA 485-A:17 for granite quarry excavations. The bill also repeals several statutes related to mining and reclamation, ensuring compliance with river protection measures for state agency actions affecting designated rivers. The effective date for mining and reclamation provisions is set for two years post-passage, while other provisions take effect immediately, with a projected minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-C:21
As Amended by the House: 485-A:2, 485-A:6, 485-A:17, 21-O:12, 155-E:2-a, 483:12-a
As Amended by the Senate: 485-A:2, 485-A:17, 227-C:8-a, 21-O:12, 155-E:2-a, 483:12-a
HB1141 text: 485-C:21