82-4-360. When activity prohibited -- exception. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person may not conduct mining or exploration activities in this state if that person or any firm or business association of which that person was a principal or controlling member had a bond forfeited under this part, if the department otherwise received proceeds from a surety to perform reclamation on that person's behalf, or if the person's surety completed reclamation on the person's behalf.

(2) A person described in subsection (1) may apply for an operating permit or an exploration license or may conclude a written agreement under 82-4-305 if:

(a) that person pays to the department:

(i) the full amount of the necessary expenses incurred by the department under 82-4-341(6) for reclamation of the area for which the bond was forfeited;

(ii) the full amount of any penalties assessed under this part; and

(iii) interest on the expenses incurred and penalties assessed at the rate of 6% a year; and

(b) the person demonstrates and the department determines that the person has remedied the conditions that led to the bond forfeiture or receipt of the bond proceeds and that those conditions no longer exist.