N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.3.302 - EXPLORATION ON LAND DESIGNATED AS UNSUITABLE FOR SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS
Designation of any area as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations pursuant to Section 69-25A-26 NMSA 1978 of the act and regulations of 19.8.2 through 19.8.4 NMAC, does not prohibit coal exploration operations in the area, if conducted in accordance with the act, 19.8.1 through 19.8.35 NMAC, and other applicable requirements. Exploration operations on any lands designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations must be approved by the director under 19.8.6 NMAC to insure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for surface coal mining.
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