Before commencing operations or development upon leased lands, a lessee shall execute and file with the commissioner of public lands a good and sufficient bond or other appropriate surety in an amount to be fixed by the commissioner to:
The commissioner, in his discretion, may allow a bond filed with the mining and minerals division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department pursuant to the Surface Mining Act [Chapter 69, Article 25A NMSA 1978] to satisfy the requirements of this section.
NMS § 19-9-12