77-3-120. Bonds to protect prior purchasers, lessees, or contractees. (1) If the lands at the time of the issuance of a mining lease have been sold, are under contract of sale, or have been leased for agricultural, grazing, or other purposes, the board shall provide against the infringement of the rights of the prior purchaser, contractee, or lessee and among other things may at any time require the mining lessee to file with the department a corporate surety bond in a reasonable amount fixed by the board, conditioned to protect the rights of the prior purchaser, contractee, or lessee.

(2) The form of the bond shall be prescribed by the board, and the bond shall run to the state for the benefit of the prior purchaser, contractee, or lessee. New or additional bonds may be required by the board at any time.

(3) Suit may be brought upon the bond by any such prior purchaser, contractee, or lessee for alleged violation of the terms of the bond by the mining lessee. Such suit shall be brought by the claimant in the name of the state for the use and benefit of the claimant, and any recovery upon the bond shall be paid to the claimant.