This bill amends existing laws related to limited mining operations in Wyoming, specifically addressing requirements for commencement, bonding, notice, and reporting. It introduces new provisions that prevent county commissioners from obstructing authorized limited mining operations and clarifies that these operations can involve the removal of any noncoal mineral, with certain exceptions. The bond amount required for reclamation is increased from $2,000 to $5,000 per acre, and for quarries, it is raised from $3,000 to $7,000 per acre. Additionally, the bill stipulates that operators must notify relevant authorities and surface owners at least 30 days before commencing operations and must file annual reports detailing their activities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that the bond for limited mining operations can be released after two successful growing seasons that establish permanent vegetative cover, a change from the previous requirement of holding a portion of the bond for at least five years. The bill also sets a deadline of July 1, 2024, after which no new applications for limited surface mining operations will be approved. The Environmental Quality Council is tasked with promulgating necessary rules to implement these changes, ensuring that the new regulations are effectively enforced.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0058 v0.8: 18-5-201, 35-11-401, 35-11-423