<h1>New law creates Recovery Commissioner to seize, attach, and forfeit assets from illegal mining conspiracies with quasi-judicial powers</h1> The state legislature enacted a statute establishing a Recovery Commissioner to supervise seizure, attachment and forfeiture of property and proceeds derived from illegal mining, addressing complex transactions involving lessees, transporters, exporters, intermediaries and organised conspiracies. A serving or retired official of senior rank will be appointed to direct subordinate officers, receive complaints, recommend criminal or civil action and exercise powers equivalent to a civil court; officers acting in good faith are protected from prosecution. The measure aims to improve enforcement and asset recovery after prior investigations yielded limited recoveries.