4VAC25-130-762.14: 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 § 45.2-1028 of the Act and this Subchapter does not prohibit coal exploration operations in the area, if conducted in accordance with the Act, this chapter, and other applicable requirements. Exploration operations on any lands designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations must be approved by the division under Part 772 to ensure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations.