(2)(a) When a report embodies results of surveys or studies of economic importance, no information of any kind concerning the contents of such report shall be given out prior to publication, if such prior information could place the recipient in a preferential position as regards its use.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, if an investigation of a mineral property or geologic hazard within the state is made by an employee of the department at the request of either the owner or a person in control of such property, results of the investigation shall be conveyed to the owner or person in control prior to the publication of a report of such results. After they have been conveyed to the owner or person, the results shall be open to public inspection prior to their publication. [Amended by 1975 c.605 §26; 1993 c.260 §7; 2005 c.22 §373]