MT HB69

Creates a new hard-rock mining permitting program account in the state special revenue fund to receive all mining permit fees, which the department will use to administer and enforce mining regulations

Establishes a $100 annual administrative fee for small miners, with an additional $100 late fee if not submitted by March 1 each year

Increases exploration license fees from $100 to $1,000-$2,000 for new licenses (depending on surface vs. subsurface activities) and from $25 to $100-$400 for renewals

Raises operating permit application fees from $500 to $5,000 for hard-rock mines, with rock products mines remaining at $500; establishes tiered annual permit fees of $1,000-$5,000 based on bonded disturbance acreage

Phases in annual permit fees for rock products mines over four years (25% in 2025-26, increasing to 100% by July 2028); sets major amendment fees at $5,000 for hard-rock mines and $500 for rock products mines