36 M.R.S. § 2851 — Preamble

It is the Legislature's belief that mining for metallic minerals is an acceptable and necessary activity in the State. Mining results in economic benefits to the locality where it occurs, as well as to the entire State and the Nation. Those who conduct mining do so by their own initiative and by investing their capital. When mining is conducted, investments of the State are also made to provide public facilities and services. Aesthetic costs and the permanent loss of valuable assets also result from mining. It is the Legislature's intent that the mining excise tax be fairly related to the services provided by the State and its subdivisions, as well as account for the costs of mining and the permanent loss of valuable assets.