Code of Federal Regulations Title 30. Mineral Resources § 30.762.13 Land exempt from designation as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations

(a) Lands on which surface coal mining operations were being conducted on the date of enactment of the Act;

(b) Lands covered by a permit issued under the Act;  or

(c) Lands where substantial legal and financial commitments in surface coal mining operations were in existence prior to January 4, 1977.