2011 Indiana Code
TITLE 14. NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
ARTICLE 34. SURFACE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION
CHAPTER 9. COAL EXPLORATION

IC 14-34-9
Chapter 9. Coal Exploration

IC 14-34-9-1
Notice of intention to explore; written permission of director; requirements
Sec. 1. (a) Subject to subsection (b), before conducting a coal exploration operation the person intending to conduct the operation must do the following:
(1) File with the director a notice of intention to explore.
(2) Demonstrate the ability to comply with the revegetation requirements of IC 14-34-10-2 concerning all land disturbed.
(b) A person may not conduct a coal exploration operation without the express written permission of the director if, under the coal exploration operation, the person:
(1) substantially disturbs the natural land surface; or
(2) removes more than two hundred fifty (250) tons of coal.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.

IC 14-34-9-2
Description of exploration area; period of exploration
Sec. 2. The notice of intention to explore and the application for written permission to explore as required by section 1 of this chapter must include the following:
(1) A description of the exploration area.
(2) The period of supposed exploration.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.

IC 14-34-9-3
Rules
Sec. 3. The commission shall adopt rules to do the following:
(1) Establish a procedure for application for permission to conduct a coal exploration operation.
(2) Establish guidelines for granting or denying the application.
(3) Require that the applicant comply with the requirements of IC 14-34-10 and IC 14-34-12 for all land disturbed.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.

IC 14-34-9-4
Confidential information
Sec. 4. Information concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or financial information relating to the competitive rights of the person or entity intending to explore the described area that is submitted to the director under this chapter is confidential and not available for public examination.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.

IC 14-34-9-5
Person engaged in coal exploration treated as permittee
Sec. 5. A person engaged in coal exploration is subject to

IC 14-34-15 and IC 14-34-16 as if the person were a permittee.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.

IC 14-34-9-6
Environmental limitations on exploration
Sec. 6. Coal exploration may not disturb the following:
(1) Habitats of unique or unusually high value for fish and wildlife and other related environmental values.
(2) Critical habitats of threatened or endangered species.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.27.