According to State Statutes 20-25-211, -212, and -301, MCA, a department designated as "the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, which shall be under the direction of the Regents, is established at the College."
The Bureau of Mines and Geology shall:
- Compile and publish statistics relative to Montana geology, mining, milling and metallurgy;
- Collect:
- typical geological and mineral specimens;
- sample of products;
- photographs, models and drawing of appliances used in the mines, mills and smelters of Montana;
- a library and bibliography of literature relative to the progress of geology, mining, milling and smelting in Montana;
- Study the geological formations of Montana, with special reference to their economic mineral resources and groundwater;
- Examine the topography and physical features of Montana relative to their bearing upon the occupation of the people;
- Study the mining, milling and smelting in Montana relative to their improvement;
- Publish bulletins and reports of a general and detailed description of the natural resources, geology, mines, mills and reduction plants of Montana;
- Make qualitative examinations of rocks and mineral samples;
- Consider scientific and economic problems the Regents deem valuable to the people of Montana;
- Communicate special information of Montana geology, mining and metallurgy;
Cooperate with:
- departments of the Montana University System;
- the State Mine Inspector;
- departments of the State;
- the United States Geological Survey;
- the United States Bureau of Mines;
10. Make examinations of state land regarding its geological and mineral value at the request of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Investments. These services are limited to the time available for such work after all other duties of the Bureau of Mines and Geology are served. Written reports shall be furnished. Travel, food, lodging and incidental expenses incurred by the examiner shall be paid by the agency requesting the examination upon presentation of claims in the ordinary form.
11. Deposit all material collected in the state museums or at Montana Tech after completed use by the Bureau of Mines and Geology;
- Distribute duplicates of representative material to the units of the Montana University System to their best educational advantage; and
- Print regular and special reports, with illustrations and maps, and distribute them on direction of the Board of Regents.