Section 761.12 - Exception for existing operationsThe prohibitions and limitations of § 761.11 do not apply to:
(a) Surface coal mining operations for which a valid permit, issued under Subchapter G of this chapter or an approved State regulatory program, exists when the land comes under the protection of § 761.11 . This exception applies only to lands within the permit area as it exists when the land comes under the protection of § 761.11 .(b) With respect to operations subject to Subchapter B of this chapter, lands upon which validly authorized surface coal mining operations exist when the land comes under the protection of 30 U.S.C. 1272(e) or § 761.11 .64 FR 70833, Dec. 17, 1999