Any exploration notice of intent may be transferred. If one operator succeeds another at any uncompleted exploration operation, the successor operator shall make application for a transfer to the Board of Minerals and Environment. The board may not deny a transfer unless the operation is not in compliance or cannot be brought into compliance, with all applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the operation before the transfer, or unless the successor operator is in violation of state statutes, rules, notice restrictions, mining permit conditions, or requirements with respect to any exploration or mining operation in the state. The board shall release the first operator from reclamation liability as to that particular exploration operation and shall release the first operator’s surety posted to cover the costs of reclamation if the successor operator assumes, as part of the successor operator’s obligation under this chapter, all liability for the reclamation of the affected land not completed by the first operator and reclamation of any additional lands affected under the notice. The obligation to complete this reclamation shall be covered by an appropriate surety. The successor may only conduct exploration work authorized in the notice and shall comply with the terms and conditions established when the original notice was issued. Notice of a transfer shall be given to the board and shall be accompanied by a two hundred fifty dollar transfer fee.

Source: SL 1993, ch 333, § 1; SL 2011, ch 165, § 216.