Code of Federal Regulations Title 43. Public Lands:  Interior § 43.3480.0–1 Purpose

The purposes of the rules of this part are to ensure orderly and efficient development, mining, preparation, and handling operations for Federal coal;  ensure production practices that prevent wasting or loss of coal or other resources;  avoid unnecessary damage to coal-bearing or mineral-bearing formations;  ensure MER of Federal coal;  ensure that operations meet requirements for diligent development and continued operation;  ensure resource recovery and protection plans are submitted and approved in compliance with MLA;  ensure effective and reasonable regulation of surface and underground coal mining operations;  require an accurate record and accounting of all coal produced;  ensure efficient, environmentally sound exploration and mining operations;  and eliminate duplication of efforts by the Minerals Management Service (MMS), OSM, and the States in the Federal coal program.