HF1618 Summary

• Establishes a moratorium on issuing permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining in Minnesota, excluding iron ore mining.

• Requires the commissioner and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to jointly determine, based on peer-reviewed scientific information, that a similar mine in the United States operated commercially for at least 10 years and closed for at least 10 years without releasing hazardous substances or contaminants before issuing a permit.

• Places the burden of proof on permit applicants to demonstrate that reclamation techniques in their applications are substantially similar to those used at the qualifying reference mine.

• Requires permit commissioners to publish proposed determinations, accept public comment, and hold contested case hearings if probative contrary evidence is submitted during the public comment period.

• Mandates that nonferrous sulfide ore mine permits be reissued every 10 years and that any renewal, modification, or expansion must comply with the same scientific determination requirements as new permits.