(a) If you (the lessee/operator) want BLM to consider your lease or LMU to be producing, the aggregate of all temporary interruptions in coal severance from your lease or LMU must not exceed 1 year in the 5-consecutive-year period immediately preceding the date of BLM's determination of lessee qualifications under §3472.1-2 of this chapter.

(b) BLM will not count toward the aggregate interruption limit described in paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) Any interruption in coal severance that is 14 days or less in duration;

(2) Any suspension granted under §3483.3 of this part; and

(3) Any BLM-approved suspension of the requirements of §3472.1-2(e)(1) of this part for reasons of strikes, the elements, or casualties not attributable to the operator/lessee before diligent development is achieved.

[62 FR 44370, Aug. 20, 1997]