1. (1) The purposes of this part are to:

   1. (a) fulfill the responsibilities and exercise the powers delegated by Article IX, section 1(3) and 2(1) of the Montana constitution;
   2. (b) allow mining as an activity beneficial to the economy of Montana;
   3. (c) allow the production of minerals to meet the needs of society and the economic demands of the marketplace;
   4. (d) provide for reclamation that mitigates postreclamation visual contrasts between reclamation lands and adjacent lands;
   5. (e) provide for reclamation that affords some utility to humans or the environment;
   6. (f) prevent foreclosure of future access to mineral resources not fully developed by current mining operations;
   7. (g) mitigate or prevent undesirable offsite environmental impacts; and
   8. (h) provide authority for cooperation between private and governmental entities in carrying this part into effect.
2. (2) Although both the need for and the practicability of reclamation will control the type and degree of reclamation in any specific instance, the basic objective will be to establish, on a continuing basis, the vegetative cover, soil stability, water condition, and safety condition appropriate to any proposed subsequent use of the area.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 252, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 50-1202; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 7, Sp. L. May 2000.