The issuance of exploration licenses for an area shall not preclude the issuance of a Federal coal lease under applicable regulations for that area. If such a lease is issued for lands included in an exploration license, the authorized officer shall cancel the exploration license on the effective date of the lease for those lands which are common to both.

[44 FR 42613, July 19, 1979, as amended at 47 FR 33135, July 30, 1982]