This bill amends existing laws related to limited mining operations in Wyoming, specifically addressing environmental quality and operational requirements. Key changes include the expansion of the definition of limited mining operations to include the removal of any noncoal mineral, with specific exclusions for minerals regulated by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state regulations. The bill introduces new bonding requirements, stipulating that operators must file bonds based on the type of mineral being extracted, with amounts increasing after July 1, 2025. Additionally, it establishes new notification and reporting requirements for operators, including the need to inform the land quality division and surface owners prior to commencing operations and to submit annual reports detailing mineral sales and operational plans.

The bill also modifies reclamation and bond release provisions, allowing for the potential release of bonds after two successful growing seasons that establish permanent vegetative cover for limited mining operations. Furthermore, it limits the number of concurrent mining operations for the same mineral within adjacent areas and within a six-mile radius. The bill authorizes the Environmental Quality Council to create necessary rules for implementation and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, for certain provisions, while other sections take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-401, 35-11-417, 35-11-423