New Mexico § 69-1-2 - Purposes and functions

§ 69-1-2. Purposes and functions

The objects and duties of the bureau of geology and mineral resources are as follows: A. to collect, compile and publish information relative to New Mexico, geology, mining,

milling, metallurgy and oil and natural gas and the refining thereof; B. to collect typical geological and mineral specimens and samples of products; to

collect photographs, models and drawings related to mines, mills, smelters, oil wells,

natural gas wells and the refineries of oil and natural gas in New Mexico; C. to collect a library and bibliography of literature pertaining to the progress

of geology, hydrogeology, mining, milling, smelting and oil and natural gas production

and refining in New Mexico; D. to map and study the geological formations of the state with special reference

to their economic mineral resources, both metallic and nonmetallic, and to their location

and physical and chemical characteristics pertinent to ground water resources; E. to examine the topography and physical features of the state with reference to

their practical bearing upon the citizens of New Mexico, as well as potential risks

to them, including geologic hazards such as landslides, soil instabilities, earthquakes

and volcanic eruptions; F. to study the mining, milling, smelting operations and oil and natural gas production

and the refining of the same carried on in the state with special reference to their

improvement; G. to prepare and publish bulletins and reports with the necessary illustrations and

maps, which shall embrace both a general and detailed description of the natural resources

and geology, mines, mineral deposits, both metallic and nonmetallic, ground water

resources, oil wells, natural gas wells, smelters, mills, oil refineries and natural

gas refineries; H. to make qualitative and quantitative examinations of rocks and mineral samples

and specimens; I. to assist in the education of miners, industries and the general public through

lectures, publications and other means of information dissemination; J. to consider such other scientific and economic problems and questions as in the

judgment of the board of regents of New Mexico institute of mining and technology

shall be deemed of value to the people of the state; K. to communicate special information on New Mexico geology, ground water hydrology,

mining, both metallic and nonmetallic, oil and natural gas and to serve as a bureau

of exchange and information on the mineral, oil and natural gas and ground water resources

of New Mexico; L. to cooperate with other universities in New Mexico, the state mine inspector, the

state engineer and other departments of state government as may be mutually beneficial

and to cooperate with the United States geological survey and with other federal agencies

in accordance with the regulations of those institutions; M. to coordinate with the mining and minerals division and the secretary of energy,

minerals and natural resources in the formulation of overall policy in the area of

mining and minerals; N. to assist the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources with those projects

that come within the expertise and jurisdiction of the bureau of geology and mineral

resources; and O. to assist the state engineer in refining understanding of the stratigraphy, structure

and aquifer characteristics of geological formations in ground water basins.