Coal mining leases may be issued upon acreage shown to be open upon the New Mexico state land office tract books. Leases shall be issued only to the highest bidder either by sealed bid or at public auction; provided, however, the commissioner may in the commissioner's discretion withhold any tract from leasing and may reject all bids offered for any tract, if the commissioner determines that withholding or rejection is in the best interests of the trust.
N.M. Admin. Code § 19.2.6.8