1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; providing conditions upon terminating certain mineral 
1.3 	leases in 2021.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. CONDITIONS UPON TERMINATING CERTAIN MINERAL LEASES 
1.6 	IN 2021.
 1.7 	If the commissioner of natural resources terminates state mineral leases associated with 
1.8 	a mine permit for an operation to mine, provide direct reduction of ore, and make steel in 
1.9 	calendar year 2021, the commissioners of natural resources and the Pollution Control Agency 
1.10 	must wait at least two years after the termination before initiating action to terminate 
1.11 	environmental permits associated with the mining or processing of iron ore from the lands, 
1.12 	unless earlier termination is necessary to ensure environmental protection or if otherwise 
1.13 	governed by federal law. Nothing in this section prohibits a permittee from proposing to 
1.14 	amend or otherwise exercise any existing rights to transfer or cancel permits under existing 
1.15 	law. Nothing in this section precludes the commissioner of natural resources from terminating 
1.16 	or transferring any state mineral leases issued in association with the properties listed above, 
1.17 	provided the termination or transfer complies with all other requirements of Minnesota 
1.18 	Statutes, chapter 93.