MN HF2800

Commissioner of Natural Resources prohibited from issuing sulfide ore mining permits under section 93.481 until specific conditions are met regarding acid generation potential and pollution history.

Permit applicant must demonstrate that a mining operation in a similar sulfide ore body (with net acid generating potential) operated for at least ten years in the United States or Canada without groundwater or surface water pollution from acid drainage or heavy metal release.

Alternatively, applicant must show a closed sulfide ore mining operation with net acid generating potential operated for at least ten years without causing pollution from acid drainage or heavy metals at the tailings or mine site.

Commissioner cannot rely on mining operations listed on the national priorities list (Superfund sites) or operations where the operator is no longer in business with no liable successor or other responsible parties.

Commissioner must verify applicant information using relevant groundwater and surface water monitoring data to confirm the referenced mining operation has not caused significant environmental pollution from acid drainage or heavy metal release.