Each mining, milling or smelting operation shall furnish each year to the mining and minerals division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department information regarding production and value of production, persons employed, mining equipment and methods and any other information as may be reasonably required for the previous calendar year on blank forms to be furnished the operator for that purpose. Any information regarding production of individual mines is to be held confidential and not published unless agreed to by the operator; except that the information may be provided to the state mine inspector. Concerning any information so provided, the secretary and employees of the energy and minerals department and the state mine inspector are subject to the provisions of Section 71-2-8 N.M. Stat. Ann..