Section 000. Legal Authority

Title 47, Chapter 15 (“chapter”), Idaho Code, authorizes the Board to promulgate rules pertaining to minera l exploration; mining operations; reclamation of lands affected by exploration and mining operations, including revie w and approval of reclamation and permanent closure plans; requirements for financial assurance for reclamation an d permanent closure, and to establish a reasonable fee for reviewing and approving reclamation plans and permanen t closure plans, including the reasonable cost to employ a qualified independent party, acceptable to the applicant and the Board, to verify the accuracy of cost estimates for reclamation plans and permanent closure plans. The Board has delegated to the director of the Department the duties and powers under the chapter and these rules, however th e Board retains responsibility for administrative review. (3-18-22)