(a) It is the continuing policy of the State of California, in the interest of the needs of society for the wise use of mineral resources and for other sound conservation practices, to foster and encourage private enterprise in all of the following activities:

1. (1) The development within the state of economically sound and beneficial mineral industries and metal and mineral product reclamation industries.
2. (2) The orderly and economic exploration, development, and utilization of the state’s mineral resources and reclamation of metal and mineral products.
3. (3) Mining, mineral, and metallurgical research to promote the wise and efficient use of natural and reclaimable mineral resources.
4. (4) The study and development of methods for the control, disposal, reclamation, and utilization of mining and mineral processing waste products and the reclamation of mined lands so as to minimize any adverse effects of mineral extraction and processing upon the physical environment.