The commissioner of public lands may execute and issue leases for the exploration, development and production of coal from state trust lands. Leases shall be issued only to the highest bidder either by sealed bid or at public auction; provided, however, the commissioner may in his discretion withhold any tract from leasing and may reject all bids offered for any tract if he determines that withholding or rejection is in the best interest of the trust beneficiaries.
History: Laws 1989, ch. 200, § 1.
Cross references. — For lease of mineral lands, see 19-8-1 NMSA 1978.
For lease of oil and gas lands, see 19-10-1 NMSA 1978.
For reservation by state in mineral lease of purchase rights, see 19-14-1 NMSA 1978.
For sale and lease of lands generally, see 19-7-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
For reservation of mineral deposits in agricultural and grazing leases, see 19-7-28 NMSA 1978.