Do aggregate operations require an MMD permit?
When do I register a mine?
How do I find out if a mine is registered?
What do you do with the data collected on registrations and annual reports?
What is the most recent listing of active mines, mills, smelters and quarries?
What permits are required for energy and mineral resource exploration, development, production and reclamation in New Mexico?
What are the blasting regulations for mines?
How do I find out who owns the mineral rights to a piece of property?
Who can tell me where mineral deposits are located?
Who can tell me about state and/or federal revenues and royalties?
What are the regulations when I close or suspend operations for a stone or aggregate operation?

What do you do with the data collected on registrations and annual reports?   Back to top
Data collected from mine registrations and changes in registrations is entered into the Mine Registration database and published as part of Mines, Mills and Quarries in New Mexico.

Production and sales information gathered from the annual reports is kept confidential per New Mexico statute. The data is compiled, reported and published as part of the Department's Annual Resources Report.

What are the blasting regulations for mines?   Back to top
Blasting at coal mines is regulated by the Coal Program, who has published A Citizen's Guide to Blasting in New Mexico. Blasting at non-coal mines may be regulated by some federal agencies, depending on the nature of the blasting activity. The federal Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) regulates the importation, manufacture, distribution and storage of explosives. The Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) regulates health and safety standards when using or working near explosive materials in mines. The federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the interstate and intrastate transportation of explosives. Blasting may also be regulated by some local agencies. Contact local municipal and/or county authorities for any rules and regulations or permit requirements related to mine blasting.

How do I find out who owns the mineral rights to a piece of property?   Back to top
The Mining and Minerals Division, whose focus is mine land reclamation, does not administer or have information on mineral rights ownership. Mineral rights are registered with the county clerk of the county in which the rights are located. A listing of county offices and courthouses can be found at the New Mexico Association of Counties.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also maintains information on mineral rights. The BLM New Mexico Field Office has a public information room located at 1474 E. Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe (reachable by phone at (505) 438-7400) where information on mineral rights can be researched. If the mineral rights are owned by the state, you can contact the State Land Office Mineral Lease Program at (505) 827-5750.

Who can tell me where mineral deposits are located?   Back to top
The Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR) , a division on New Mexico Tech, functions as the state geological survey. The Bureau publishes geologic maps, resource maps and other types of publications which talk about the nature and occurrence of mineral resources in the state. NMBGR also maintains and extensive collection of core samples, databases, and historical mining maps in their libraries. They also have a staff of economic geologists and engineers with experience in the New Mexico extractive resources industry.

Further information about the location of extractive mineral resources can also be obtained form the Minerals Program of the State Land Office or the New Mexico Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management

Who can tell me about state and/or federal revenues and royalties?   Back to top
Revenue and royalty data are published as part of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Annual Resources Report. State royalty and revenue data can be obtained from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department and the State Land Office Annual Report.

Data about federal royalties and revenues can be obtained from the Mineral Management Service, USGS Commodity Statistics & Information, and the Energy Information Administration.

What are the regulations when I close or suspend operations for a stone or aggregate operation?
When closing or suspending mining operations, a Form 12, Notice of Intent to Suspend Operations, must be filed with the Mine Registration Program. After suspension or closure, a member of the MRRS Program staff will perform a safeguarding inspection. All hazards to the public, such as drowning hazards, highwalls, adits and shafts, shall be fenced-off, bermed or removed. MMD has published safeguarding guidelines to help guide operators in preventive actions to take when closing a stone or aggregate mining operation.
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