SD HB1273

Removes the definition of "abandoned mined lands" and revises definitions for "large-scale mine," "life of the mine," "affected land," and "surface mining disturbed land" in South Dakota's Mined Land Reclamation Act

Expands the geographic definition of "Black Hills" to include portions of Fall River County north of US Highway 18 and the Cheyenne River

Creates new statutory provisions allowing temporary cessation of mining operations for up to 5 years (with possible 10-year extension), requiring operators to file requests with the Board of Minerals and Environment stating reasons for nonproduction

Changes regulatory terminology from "gold or silver surface mining" to broader "large-scale" mining throughout multiple statutes governing permits, annual reports, and land disturbance limits

Repeals chapter 45-6 (existing mining provisions) and § 45-6B-96 (which restricted permit amendments for existing large-scale gold/silver operations until reclamation was performed on 200+ additional disturbed acres)