93.44 DECLARATION OF POLICY. In recognition of the effects of mining upon the environment, it is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to provide for the reclamation of certain lands hereafter subjected to the mining of metallic minerals or peat where such reclamation is necessary, both in the interest of the general […]
93.45 IRON RANGE TRAIL. Subdivision 1. Establishment. In recognition of the unique combination of cultural, geological, industrial, historical, recreational, and scenic characteristics of Minnesota’s iron ranges, an “Iron Range Trail” is hereby established on the Vermilion, Mesabi, and Cuyuna iron ranges and at related points on Lake Superior. The commissioner of natural resources shall establish, […]
93.46 DEFINITIONS. Subdivision 1. Applicability. For the purposes of sections 93.46 to 93.51, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given to them. Subd. 2. Mining area. “Mining area” or “area subjected to mining” means any area of land from which material is hereafter removed in connection with the production or extraction of […]
93.461 PEAT INCLUDED IN MINE LAND RECLAMATION. Sections 93.46 to 93.51 apply to peat in the same manner as to metallic minerals, to the greatest extent practicable, with the following exceptions: (1) For the purposes of sections 93.46 to 93.51, “peat mining” means the removal of peat for commercial purposes, including activities associated with the […]
93.47 DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF COMMISSIONER. Subdivision 1. Study and survey. The commissioner shall conduct a comprehensive study and survey in order to determine, consistent with the declared policy of sections 93.44 to 93.51, the extent to which regulation of mining areas is necessary in the interest of the general welfare. Subd. 2. Considerations. (a) […]
93.48 VARIANCE. The commissioner may, upon application by the landowner or mine operator, modify or permit variance from the established rules adopted hereunder if it is determined that such modification or variance is consistent with the general welfare. History: 1969 c 774 s 5; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444
93.481 PERMIT TO MINE. Subdivision 1. Prohibition against mining without permit; application for permit. Except as provided in this subdivision, after June 30, 1975, no person shall engage in or carry out a mining operation for metallic minerals within the state unless the person has first obtained a permit to mine from the commissioner. Any […]
93.482 RECLAMATION FEES. Subdivision 1. Annual permit to mine fee. (a) The commissioner shall charge every person holding a permit to mine an annual permit fee. The fee is payable to the commissioner by June 30 of each year, beginning in 2009. (b) The annual permit to mine fee for a taconite mining operation is […]
93.483 CONTESTED CASE. Subdivision 1. Petition for contested case hearing. Any person owning property that will be affected by the proposed operation or any federal, state, or local government having responsibilities affected by the proposed operation identified in the application for a permit to mine under section 93.481 may file a petition with the commissioner […]
93.49 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE OF OPERATOR. The commissioner shall require a bond or other security or other financial assurance satisfactory to the commissioner from an operator. The commissioner shall review annually the extent of each operator’s financial assurance under this section. History: 1969 c 774 s 6; 1973 c 526 s 6; 1985 c 248 s […]
93.50 APPEAL. Any person aggrieved by any final order, ruling, or decision of the commissioner may obtain judicial review of such order, ruling, or decision under sections 14.63 to 14.69. History: 1969 c 774 s 7; 1982 c 424 s 130; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 59
93.51 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION. Subdivision 1. Civil penalty. If any person fails to comply with any provision of sections 93.44 to 93.51, or any rules promulgated pursuant to these sections, or any permit condition required by these sections or the rules, for a period of 15 days after notice of such failure, or the expiration […]
