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Bill to set 10‑year minimum mineral lease terms advances to hearing; confidentiality and drafting concerns raised
Summary
Sen. Tony Tzizak introduced SB 520 to set fixed primary terms (not less than 10 years) for mineral leases on state trust lands to attract investment; proponents from the mining industry and the land board supported the change, while environmental groups warned that drafting (litigation extensions and disclosure 'may' vs 'shall') needs technical fixes to protect confidential geological data.
Sen. Tony Tzizak opened hearings on SB 520 as a measure to revise mineral lease terms on state trust lands and align them with coal, oil and gas leases. "What sections 1–4 will do will amend the terms of the mineral leases from an undetermined time to a period not less than 10 years," the sponsor said, arguing longer primary terms and clear extension rules encourage exploration investment.
Industry and land‑board supporters testified in favor. Matt Vincent of the Montana Mining Association thanked the sponsor and said…
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