The commissioner of public lands may cancel any coal lease for nonpayment of rentals, for nonpayment of royalties or for noncompliance with any of the terms or covenants of the lease, but before the cancellation is made, the commissioner shall mail to the lessee by registered or certified mail a notice of intention to cancel the lease, specifying the default for which the lease is subject to cancellation. If the lessee does not pay the rentals or royalties or begin to substantially remedy the other default within thirty days after mailing the notice of intention to cancel the commissioner may cancel the lease.