SECTION 460:20-9-7. 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 Sections 781 and 782 of the Act and this Chapter does not prohibit coal exploration operations in the area, if conducted in accordance with the Act, and this Chapter and other applicable requirements. Exploration operations on any lands designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations must be approved by the Department under Subchapter 13 of this Chapter to ensure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for surface coal mining.