30 USC 202a - Consolidation of coal leases into logical mining unit

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 12, 2024

§ 202a.

Consolidation of coal leases into logical mining unit

(1)

Approval by Secretary; public hearing; definition

(2)

Mining plan; requirements

(A)

After the Secretary has approved the establishment of a logical mining unit, any mining plan approved for that unit must require such diligent development, operation, and production that the reserves of the entire unit will be mined within a period established by the Secretary which shall not be more than forty years.

(B)

The Secretary may establish a period of more than 40 years if the Secretary determines that the longer period—

(i)

will ensure the maximum economic recovery of a coal deposit; or

(ii)

the longer period is in the interest of the orderly, efficient, or economic development of a coal resource.

(3)

Conditions for approval

(4)

Amendment to lease

(5)

Leases issued before date of enactment of this Act

(6)

Lessee required to form unit

(7)

Required acreage

(8)

Acreage limitations for coal leases not waived

(Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, § 2(d), as added Pub. L. 94–377, § 5(b), Aug. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1086; amended Pub. L. 109–58, title IV, § 433, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 761.)

cite as: 30 USC 202a