MN HF3946

Prohibits the commissioner of natural resources from issuing mining permits for sulfide ore bodies unless a comparable example mine exists in the United States or Canada that operated for at least ten years without pollution from acid drainage or heavy metals release.

Requires the example mine to have been closed for at least ten years without pollution from acid drainage or heavy metals release at the tailings site, mine site, or surrounding groundwater and surface water.

Excludes mines listed on the national priorities list (Superfund sites) and abandoned mines with no liable operator or successor from serving as qualifying example mines.

Defines "pollution" to include any environmental law violations determined through administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, including cases where corrective action orders or stipulated penalties are issued without admission of liability.

Defines "sulfide ore body" as mineral deposits where metals are mixed with sulfide minerals that have net acid generating potential.