# S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-2: Legislative findings and policy

> South Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-2

## Section

- **Citation:** S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-2
- **Heading:** Legislative findings and policy
- **Jurisdiction:** South Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SD Code / Title 45 / Chapter 6B / Section 45-6B-2

## Text

The relatively unknown and as yet largely undeveloped mineral resources of this state consist in major proportion of minerals below the surface. The development and extraction of these minerals by means of entry through the surface and the processing of such ores are necessary for the economic development of the state and nation. Every effort should be used to promote and encourage the development of mining as an industry, but to prevent the waste and spoilage of the land and the improper disposal of tailings which would deny its future use and productivity. Proper safeguards must be provided by the state to ensure that the health and safety of the people are not endangered and that upon depletion of the mineral resources and after disposal of tailings the affected land is usable and productive to the extent possible for agricultural or recreational pursuits or future resource development; that water and other natural resources are not endangered; and that aesthetics and a tax base are maintained, all for the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the state. The Legislature finds that an increase in the level of activity in the large - scale gold and silver mining industry in the Black Hills may cause or have the potential to cause impacts of unknown scope to competing land uses, the environment and other natural resources. The Legislature further finds that, due to the unknown consequences of such an increase in activity, additional information on the cumulative impacts of mining is needed for making decisions on future permits or amended permits for large - scale gold or silver mining operations and is necessary prior to the time the board takes any action on such permits for acres in excess of the limits established by § 45-6B-83.

Source: SL 1982, ch 305, § 2; SL 1989, ch 306, § 49A.

## Nearby sections

- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-1 Citation of chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-1.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-2 Legislative findings and policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-2.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-3 Definition of terms](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-3.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-4 Local government permit--Additional bond or surety not authorized--Conditional mining permit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-4.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-5 Application for permit for mining operation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-5.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-6 Application for permit--Contents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-6.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-7 Reclamation plan--Contents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-7.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-8 Previously mined land--Reclamation not required for surface mining](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-8.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-9 Previously mined land--Reclamation not required for underground mining](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-9.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-10 Map of affected area](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-10.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-11 Approval of reclamation plan by Department of Education and Department of Game, Fish and Parks](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-11.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-12 Consultation with surface owner--Instrument of consultation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-12.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-13 Instrument of consultation not obtained--Hearing and order](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-13.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 45-6B-14 Fee for application](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T45_C6B_S45-6B-2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.