The general assembly finds that the unregulated surface mining of minerals can cause soil erosion and landslides, stream pollution, and accumulation and seepage of contaminated water; contributes to floods; impairs the value of land for agricultural or other purposes; affects fish and wildlife and their habitats; counteracts efforts for the conservation of soil, water and other natural resources; impairs the owners' rights in neighboring property; creates fire hazards; and in general creates conditions inimical to life, property and the public welfare so as to require the exercise of the state's police power in the regulation of surface mining. The general assembly further finds that there are wide variations in the circumstances and conditions surrounding and arising out of the surface mining of minerals due primarily to differences in topographical, geological, and soil conditions, by reason of which it is necessary, in order to provide the most effective, beneficial and equitable solution to the problem, that broad discretion be placed in the authority designated to administer and enforce the regulatory provisions enacted by the general assembly. It is the purpose of this part, therefore, to provide for such regulation and control of surface mining so as to minimize its injurious effects.