Section 293.57 - Successors When one operator succeeds to the interest of another in an uncompleted mining operation by sale, assignment, lease or otherwise, the department shall release the first operator from the duties imposed upon the first operator by this chapter as to such operation if:
(1) Both operators have complied with the requirements of this chapter; and(2) The successor operator discloses whether it has forfeited any performance security because of noncompliance with any prospecting or mining laws within the previous 20 years, posts any bond required under s. 293.51 and assumes all responsibilities of all applicable permits, licenses and approvals granted to the predecessor operator.