§ 45-6c-2

45-6C-2. Legislative findings and policy.The relatively unknown and as yet largely undeveloped mineral resources of this state consist in major proportion of minerals below the surface. The exploration for and discovery of these minerals by means of drilling and other methods of detecting mineral deposits are necessary for the economic development of the state and the nation. Every effort should be used to promote and encourage the exploration for mineral resources, but to prevent the waste and spoilage of the land which would deny its future use and productivity. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that:(1)Upon completion of an exploration operation the affected land is usable and productive to the extent possible for agricultural or recreational pursuits or future resource development; and(2)Both during and after an exploration operation, water and other natural resources are not endangered. Source: SL 1982, ch 306, §2.