312 IAC 25-3-5 Exploration

Sec. 5. Designation of any area as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations under IC 14-34-18 and this rule does not prohibit coal exploration operations in the area if conducted in accordance with IC 14-34, this article, and other applicable requirements. Exploration operations on any lands designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations must be approved by the director under 312 IAC 25-4-9 through 312 IAC 25-4-15, to ensure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for surface coal mining.