A. Each mine or mining operation shall furnish to the mining and minerals division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department each year information regarding production and value of production, persons employed, mining equipment and methods and any other information as may be reasonably required for the previous calendar year on blank forms to be furnished the operator for this purpose.

B. Any information regarding production and value of production of individual mines is to be held confidential and not published unless agreed to by the operator, except that the mining and minerals division may reveal such information to:

(1)     the taxation and revenue department for use in auditing or assessing taxpayers. The taxation and revenue department and its employees are subject to the provisions of this section with respect to any information acquired from the inspector; and

(2)     the state mine inspector; provided that concerning any information so obtained, the state mine inspector shall be subject to the provisions of Section 71-2-8 N.M. Stat. Ann..