WI SB623

Prohibits the Department of Natural Resources from issuing permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals are mixed with sulfide minerals) until two conditions are met

Requires DNR to verify that a mine has operated in a similar sulfide ore body in the U.S. or Canada for at least 10 years without polluting groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or heavy metal releases

Requires DNR to verify that a mine in a similar sulfide ore body in the U.S. or Canada has been closed for at least 10 years without causing such pollution

Applies to all permit applications regardless of when they were submitted, effectively creating a moratorium on new sulfide mining permits until proven track records exist