MN SF4220

Expands the Executive Council's authority to approve rules for issuing leases to prospect for mineral commodities and nonfuel gases under state lands.

Allows state lessees holding iron ore or taconite mining leases to apply for negotiated leases to explore for, mine, and remove mineral commodities or nonfuel gases found on their mining units.

Authorizes the commissioner of natural resources to issue leases for mineral commodities and nonfuel gases on state-owned lands, trust fund lands, tax-forfeited lands, and state water beds.

Requires Executive Council approval for all nonferrous metallic mineral or petroleum leases, and for any other mineral commodity or nonfuel gas lease covering 160 or more acres.

Sets maximum lease term at 50 years and prevents state cancellation for failure to meet production requirements before the 36th year of the lease.