Subdivision 1. Definition. "Stockpiled iron ore" as used in this section means any artificial pile or other accumulation of any type of iron-bearing material, whether in its natural state or the product or residue of treatment of beneficiation, belonging to the state or in which the state has an interest.

Subd. 2. Inclusion in mining unit. In case any stockpiled iron ore is situated on land designated or suitable for designation as a mining unit under section 93.15, the stockpiled ore may, in the discretion of the commissioner of natural resources, be included in the unit by inserting a description of the ore in the designation of the unit. Otherwise the ore shall not be considered as included in the unit. Upon the inclusion of the ore in the unit, it shall be subject to all provisions of law relating to the sale, issuance, terms, and conditions of a lease covering the unit and other matters pertaining thereto, so far as applicable.

Subd. 3. Stockpile mining unit. (a) Any stockpiled iron ore, wherever situated, may, in the discretion of the commissioner of natural resources, be designated as a stockpile mining unit for disposal separately from ore in the ground, such designation to be made according to section 93.15, so far as applicable.

(b) The commissioner may lease the mining unit at public or private sale for an amount and under terms and conditions prescribed by the commissioner. The lease term may not exceed 25 years. The amount payable for stockpiled iron ore material shall be at least equivalent to the minimum royalty that would be payable under section 93.20.

Subd. 4. [Repealed, 2000 c 495 s 53]

Subd. 5. [Repealed, 2000 c 495 s 53]

History: 1945 c 342 s 1; 1951 c 520 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1986 c 444; 2000 c 495 s 25,26