(a) Assessment of any area as unsuitable for all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining operations pursuant to section 522 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1272) and the regulations of this subpart does not prohibit exploration of such area under subpart 3410 and Part 3480 of this title.

(b) An application for an exploration license on any lands assessed as unsuitable for all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining shall be reviewed by the Bureau of Land Management to ensure that exploration does not harm any value for which the area has been assessed as unsuitable.

[44 FR 42638, July 19, 1979. Redesignated and amended at 47 FR 33149, July 30, 1982; 50 FR 8627, Mar. 4, 1985. Further redesignated at 52 FR 46473, Dec. 8, 1987]