2016 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 45. Mines and Mining
§45-745.11. Exploration regulations - Contents - Confidential or privileged information - Tonnage limitations - Violations.

A. Coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface shall be conducted in accordance with exploration regulations issued by the Department. Such regulations shall include, at a minimum:

1. The requirement that prior to conducting any exploration under this section, any person shall file with the Department notice of intention to explore, and such notice shall include a description of the exploration area and the period of supposed exploration; and

2. Provisions for reclamation, in accordance with the surface coal mining operations performance standards of this act, of all lands disturbed in exploration, including excavations, roads, drill holes and the removal of necessary facilities and equipment.

B. Information submitted to the Department pursuant to this subsection which is designated in writing as confidential, concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or financial information which relates to the competitive rights of the person or entity intended to explore the described area, shall not be available for public examination.

C. No operator shall remove more than two hundred fifty (250) tons of coal pursuant to an exploration permit without the specific written approval of the Department.

D. Any person violating this section shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this act.

Laws 1979, c. 249, § 14, emerg. eff. June 1, 1979.