Okla. Stat. tit. 45, § 45-745.21: Surface mining near active and abandoned underground

mines.

The operator shall refrain from surface coal mining within five

hundred (500) feet from active and abandoned underground mines in

order to prevent breakthroughs and to protect health or safety of

miners. The Department shall permit an operator to mine near,

through or partially through an abandoned underground mine or closer

to an active underground mine if the nature, timing and sequencing

of the approximate coincidence of specific surface mine activities

with specific underground mine activities will result in improved

resource recovery, improved land use category abatement of water

pollution, or elimination of hazards to the health and safety of

underground miners and the public.