ME LD795

Exempts pegmatite mining from the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act and creates a streamlined permit-by-rule process through the Department of Environmental Protection

Defines "pegmatite mining" as commercial extraction of pegmatite or similar minerals including gemstones, feldspar, mica, and lithium-bearing minerals

Limits permit-by-rule eligibility to mining operations covering 20 acres or less of surface area, with allowance for additional 20-acre permits if that limit is reached

Requires the DEP to decide on permit-by-rule applications within 30 calendar days; if no decision is made, mining may begin automatically

Exempts pegmatite mining under this process from the mining excise tax and standard metallic mineral mining fees, while still requiring compliance with quarrying laws including site reclamation and environmental protection standards