(1) Subject to the exemptions in subsection (b), every application for a surface coal mining and reclamation operation permit or an underground coal mining permit shall be accompanied by a basic application fee and an acreage fee.
(2) The basic application fee shall be: For a new permit, three thousand eight hundred fifty dollars ($3,850);
(3) For a permit revision that proposes significant alterations, two thousand dollars ($2,000);
(4) For a permit revision that does not propose significant alterations, seven hundred fifty dollars ($750);
(5) For a permit renewal, five hundred dollars ($500);
(6) For a successor's permit, three hundred fifty dollars ($350); and
(7) For an exploration permit, one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(8) The acreage fee shall be paid annually as prescribed in rules promulgated by the board under § 59-8-103(b)(1). The amount of the acreage fee shall be: For a site that has not been reclaimed, forty dollars ($40.00) per permitted acre; and
(9) For a site that has been reclaimed, twenty dollars ($20.00) per permitted acre.
(10) The fee for an amendment of a coal mining permit shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(11) The fee for an amendment of a coal exploration permit shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(12) If the amendment increases the acreage permitted, the acreage fee for the increase in acreage shall be paid at the time of application.
(13) If the amendment decreases the acreage permitted, the refund for the acreage deleted shall be paid by this state to the applicant when the amendment is granted.
(14) Local governments and state agencies are exempt from permit and acreage fees.
(15) All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the coal mining protection fund, created in § 59-8-132.