Tennessee Code Title 60. Oil and Gas § 60-1-505

(a) A person shall not drill a mineral test hole for exploratory purposes until the owner, directly or through the owner's authorized representative, files a written application for a permit to drill, files an approved surety or security bond, and receives a permit in accordance with the rules of the supervisor. A fee shall be submitted with the application in an amount to be set in rules to be promulgated by the supervisor not to exceed the amount stated in § 68-203-103(h) for a mineral test hole permit fee. Within ten (10) days after receiving the application and fee, the supervisor shall issue or deny the permit. No permit shall be issued to any owner or owner's authorized representative who is in violation of this part or any rules promulgated thereunder.

(b) Upon request, the supervisor may issue a blanket permit to qualified persons to drill mineral test holes within a limited or local area where an extensive drilling exploration program is planned.

(c) All information pertaining to the application for and issuance of permits for mineral test holes subject to this part shall be held confidential.