(1) Mining operations which are active on the effective date of this act will be required to prepare and submit a notice of intention on or before July 1, 1977, and shall be authorized to continue such existing operations until the operator obtains approval of his notice of intention. Such approval shall be obtained by the operator within 36 months from the date of submission of this notice. Subsequent to approval of the notice of intention, the operator shall be bound by the provisions of the approved notice of intention and surety requirements as provided in Sections 40-8-13 and 40-8-14.

(2) Mining operations which are active on the effective date of this act and which are suspended or terminated on or before July 1, 1977, shall advise the division of this fact before July 10, 1977, and shall not be required to submit a notice of intention.

(3) Mining operations which are inactive on the effective date of this act and which resume operations on or before July 1, 1977, shall be required to prepare and submit a notice of intention within 12 months following the effective date of this act or within six months of the resumption of such operations, whichever is earlier, and shall be authorized to conduct operations as described in the notice of intention until the operator obtains approval of his notice of intention. Such approval shall be obtained by the operator within 36 months from the date of submission of the notice. Subsequent to approval of the notice of intention the operator shall be bound by the provisions of the approved notice of intention and surety requirements as provided in Sections 40-8-13 and 40-8-14.

(4) The board and division, in the initial application of this act and until July 1, 1977, shall not be bound by the 30 day time limitation within which to take action on a notice of intention; but all notices of intention filed before July 1, 1977, shall be acknowledged as received within 30 days of receipt and action shall be commenced by the division within 12 months from the date of receipt.

(5) This act and the rules and regulations promulgated under it shall be fully effective for all operators and mining operations active on the effective date of this act or commenced or reactivated on and after July 1, 1977.