(a) Part 772 of this chapter, Requirements for Coal Exploration, shall apply to any person who conducts or seeks to conduct coal exploration operations.

(b) The Office shall make every effort to act on an exploration application within 60 days of receipt or such longer time as may be reasonable under the circumstances. If additional time is needed, OSMRE shall notify the applicant that the application is being reviewed, but more time is necessary to complete such review, setting forth the reasons and the additional time that is needed.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, any person who intends to conduct coal exploration shall, prior to conducting the exploration, file with the regulatory authority a written notice of intention to explore including:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking to explore;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the representative who will be present at and responsible for conducting the exploration activities;

(3) A precise description and map, at a scale of 1:24,000 or larger, of the exploration area;

(4) A statement of the period of intended exploration;

(5) If the surface is owned by a person other than the person who intends to explore, a description of the basis upon which the person who will explore claims the right to enter such area for the purpose of conducting exploration and reclamation; and

(6) A description of the practices proposed to be followed to protect the environment from adverse impacts as a result of the exploration activities.

(d) The Office shall make every effort to act on an exploration application within 60 days of receipt or such longer time as may be reasonable under the circumstances. If additional time is needed, OSMRE shall notify the applicant that the application is being reviewed, but that more time is necessary to complete such review, setting forth the reasons and the additional time that is needed.

[52 FR 13813, Apr. 24, 1987]