Notwithstanding the policy set forth in ORS § 517.760, the Legislative Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of the State of Oregon to protect the environmental, scenic, recreational, social, archaeological and historic resources of this state from unacceptable adverse impacts that may result from mining operations, while permitting operations that comply with the provisions set forth in ORS § 517.952 to 517.989 and ensure the protection of the public health, safety, welfare and the environment. [1991 c.735 § 2; 2013 c.371 § 7]