(a) If a mineral other than iron ore or taconite ore is found on or in a mining unit covered by a state iron ore or taconite iron ore mining lease, the state lessee may apply to the commissioner of natural resources for a negotiated lease to explore for, mine, and remove the mineral. The terms and conditions under which the mineral may be mined or products recovered shall be as agreed upon by the commissioner and the state lessee. A mineral lease for ores other than iron ore or taconite iron ore must comply with section 93.25 and rules adopted thereunder.
(b) The right is reserved to the state to reject any or all applications for a negotiated lease under paragraph (a). The state may lease, under section 93.25 and rules adopted thereunder, any minerals other than iron ore or taconite iron ore on or in a mining unit covered by a state iron ore or taconite iron ore mining lease.
History:2000 c 495 s 19