Section 762.13 - Land exempt from designation as unsuitable for surface coal mining operationsThe requirements of this part do not apply to-
(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.