MN HF4492

Establishes a moratorium on issuing permits, licenses, or leases for nonferrous sulfide-bearing ore mining until the commissioner determines a comparable mine has operated for at least 10 years without polluting air, groundwater, or surface water.

Requires the reference mine to have been closed for at least 10 years without polluting air, groundwater, or surface water and must have operated in a similar environment (within 15 percent match in precipitation, temperature, and water proximity).

Amends the mineral development policy to explicitly require consistency with state policy to protect water, air, and wildlife.

Modifies the leases statute to condition permits on compliance with the new moratorium requirements.

Applies effective the day following final enactment to new permits and to existing permits where mineral production has not yet commenced.