Indiana Code Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources § 14-34-4-5

Sec. 5. (a) If written objections are filed and an informal conference or a public hearing is requested, the director shall hold the conference or public hearing in the locality of the proposed surface coal mining operation within a reasonable time of receipt of the objections or request.  The director shall advertise in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed surface coal mining operation is located at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled conference or public hearing the date, time, and location of the conference or public hearing.

(b) The director may arrange with the applicant, upon request by any party to the administrative proceeding, access to the proposed mining area for the purpose of gathering information relevant to the proceeding.

(c) An electronic or a stenographic record shall be made of the conference or public hearing.  The director shall maintain the record and have the record accessible to the parties until final release of the applicant's performance bond.

(d) The director may not hold the conference or public hearing if any of the following conditions exist: