The Legislature finds that it is the public policy of this state and in the public interest to:

1. (1) Promote the safe and efficient mining, extraction, and production of coal in this state;
2. (2) Protect the health and safety of coal miners;
3. (3) Prohibit the waste of coal;
4. (4) Encourage the maximum recovery of coal;
5. (5) Safeguard, protect, and enforce the correlative rights of coal producers and coal owners;
6. (6) Protect the rights of surface owners; and
7. (7) Promote the execution and performance of contracts lawfully made.