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Bill would set minimum 10-year primary term for mineral leases on state trust lands
Summary
Sen. Tony Tzczak sponsored Senate Bill 520 to standardize mineral lease terms for metallic and nonmetallic minerals on state trust lands by setting a primary term of not less than 10 years and allowing extensions for time lost to permitting or litigation. Proponents said the change brings Montana in line with surrounding states to attract mining,
Sen. Tony Tzczak opened a hearing on Senate Bill 520, which would revise the terms of mineral leases on state trust lands to provide a primary lease term of not less than 10 years and permit continuing extensions for time lost to permitting or legal challenges.
Tzczak said Montana lacks lease-term protections that neighboring states provide and that a defined term would encourage investment and exploration that could generate revenue for schools and jobs. "The 10 years is gonna give some incentive for companies to come in and look at that," he said in closing.
Proponents included Matt Vincent of the Montana Mining Association, who said an undefined primary term put Montana at a competitive disadvantage and that many…
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