It is declared to be the policy of this State to provide for conservation and reclamation of lands affected by surface mining in order to restore them to optimum future productive use and to provide for their return to productive use including but not limited to: the planting of forests; the seeding of grasses and legumes for grazing purposes; the planting of crops for harvest; the enhancement of wildlife and aquatic resources; the establishment of recreational, residential and industrial sites; and for the conservation, development, management, and appropriate use of all the natural resources of such areas for compatible multiple purposes, to aid in maintaining or improving the tax base; and protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the people, the natural beauty and aesthetic values, and enhancement of the environment in the affected areas of the State; to prevent erosion, stream pollution, water, air and land pollution and other injurious effects to persons, property, wildlife and natural resources; and to assure that conservation and reclamation plans for all surface mining activity are available for the prior consideration of county governments within whose jurisdiction such lands will be affected by surface mining and to permit participation and authorize cooperation and coordination with the federal government in initial regulatory programs under the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87, Title 30, USC Sec. 1201 et seq.
     The issuance of a permit under this Act to engage in the surface mining of any resources other than fossil fuels is not intended to relieve the permittee from its duty to comply with other applicable state and local law regulating the commencement, location and operation of surface mining facilities.