(a) Any person conducting a placer or dredge mining operation shall, within one (1) year of permanent cessation of operations as to the whole or any part of the permit area, commence restoration of disturbed lands in the permit area or in any portion thereof as to which operations are permanently ceased. In accordance with a permit approved for the operation under section 47-1317, Idaho Code, surfaces shall be returned to a contour reasonably comparable to that contour existing prior to disturbance, topsoil shall be replaced where deemed appropriate by the board, and vegetation shall be planted reasonably comparable to that vegetation existing prior to disturbance. Any disturbed natural watercourse shall be restored to a configuration and pool structure conducive to good fish and wildlife habitat and recreational use.
(b)  Any person desiring to conduct placer or dredge exploration operations using motorized earth-moving equipment shall, prior to or within seven (7) days of commencing exploration, notify the director in writing of the name and address of the person, and the location, anticipated size, and method of exploration. Such notice shall be subject to disclosure according to chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code. Any placer or dredge exploration operation which causes a cumulative surface disturbance in excess of one-half (1/2) acre of land, including roads, shall be considered a placer or dredge mining operation. Lands disturbed by any placer or dredge exploration operation which causes a cumulative surface disturbance of less than one-half (1/2) acre of land, including roads, shall be restored to conditions reasonably comparable to conditions existing prior to the placer or dredge exploration operation.