Section 324.63531 - Coal exploration operations; rules; notice of intent to explore; violation of section or rules; penalties; maximum amount of coal removable pursuant to exploration permit(1) Coal exploration operations that significantly disturb the natural land surface shall be conducted in accordance with rules promulgated by the department. The rules shall include, at a minimum, the requirement that prior to conducting the exploration a person must file with the department notice of intent to explore. The notice of the intent to explore shall include a description of the exploration area; the period of proposed exploration; provisions for reclamation in accordance with the performance standards in section 63527 of all lands disturbed in exploration, including excavations, roads, and drill holes; and the removal of necessary facilities and equipment.(2) A person who conducts any coal exploration operations that substantially disturb the natural land surface in violation of this section or the rules promulgated under this section is subject to the penalties provided in section 63537.(3) An operator shall not remove more than 250 tons of coal pursuant to an exploration permit without the specific written approval of the department.Add. 1995, Act 57, Imd. Eff. 5/24/1995 .