12-E:3 Prospecting Permit Required. –
I. Prior to prospecting for minerals on any lands within the state a person shall obtain a prospecting permit from the commissioner upon payment of a fee pursuant to RSA 12-E:8. The commissioner may attach conditions upon issuance of the permit to minimize the environmental damage of such activities. Such prospecting permit shall be valid for a term of one year subject to renewal upon request to the commissioner. The prospecting permit shall not be effective until all required permits are obtained from the department of environmental services.
II. If prospecting activities continue on property for which a mining permit is issued by the commissioner, such activities shall be incorporated into the plan and renewal of a prospecting permit shall not be required.
III. Possession of a prospecting permit shall not entitle any person to prospect upon any land owned, leased, rented or occupied by another without the express written permission of the landowner and other persons having a legal interest in the land or the mineral rights therein.