ID H0051

Requires the Idaho Department of Lands to adopt rules for small-scale dredge mining through negotiated rulemaking with affected parties, based on peer-reviewed science and demonstrating actual harm greater than de minimis.

Exempts operations moving fewer than 4 cubic yards per hour from requiring permits or special permits from the Department of Lands or State Board of Land Commissioners.

Allows suction dredging in the wetted perimeter below the high water mark on streams and rivers open to prospecting and mining, with no permits required for sampling to locate placer deposits or determine mineral content.

Prohibits restricting access to open mining areas or valid mining claims and makes it a crime to interfere with lawful mining operations or equipment on posted claims.

Defines terms including "dredge," "sluice box," "bedrock sluice," "rocker box," "flume," and "quartz mill," and declares the act effective immediately upon passage as an emergency measure.