Each person who conducts coal exploration which substantially disturbs the natural land surface and which removes more than 250 tons of coal shall, while in the exploration area, possess written approval from the director for the activities granted under 19.8.6.603 NMAC. The written approval shall be available at the exploration site for review by the director or the office of surface mining upon request.
N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.19.1901