This bill proposes significant amendments to the laws governing mining and prospecting activities in New Hampshire. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "dimension stone," "mining," "mineral," "reclamation," "rock," and "prospect," which aim to clarify the scope of mining operations. The bill establishes exemptions for certain mining activities predating August 24, 1979, and for the crushing of rock for construction aggregate. It also mandates the Department of Environmental Services to create rules regarding permitting processes, reclamation requirements, and public hearings, ensuring that the department has the authority to set specific terms and conditions for permits. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that requires immediate cessation of activities if human remains are discovered during mining or prospecting.

Moreover, the bill modifies the fee structure for mining and prospecting, replacing previous application fees with a tiered system based on the area disturbed and introducing a volume-based fee for extracted minerals. It also transitions pending applications to be processed under current law until the new regulations are implemented. The management of geological resources will now be under the state geologist, who will oversee the New Hampshire geological survey and assist other divisions. The bill removes the requirement for the state geologist to consult with the commissioner on mining permits, emphasizing an advisory role instead. It updates regulations for granite quarry excavation, mandates notifications to local river management committees, and repeals several existing statutes related to mining and reclamation. The effective date for certain sections is set for two years post-passage, while the rest of the act takes effect immediately, with a projected fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually from 2027 to 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
Version adopted by both bodies: 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