---
kind: "range"
citation: "43 C.F.R. §§ 3481.4-1–3481.4-4"
title: "43"
from: "3481.4-1"
to: "3481.4-4"
count: 4
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3481.4-1..3481.4-4"
---

# §3481.4-1. Can I temporarily interrupt coal severance and still be qualified as producing?


Yes, a temporary interruption in coal severance allows you (the lessee/operator) to halt the extraction of coal for a limited period of time without jeopardizing your qualifications under section (2)(a)(2)(A) of MLA to receive additional leases. During the period of a temporary interruption in coal severance, BLM still considers you lease or LMU to be producing so as not to preclude you from receiving a new or transferred lease.


# §3481.4-2. What are some examples of circumstances that qualify for a temporary interruption of coal severance?

- (a) Movement, failure, or repair of major equipment, such as draglines or longwalls; overburden removal; adverse weather; employee absences;
- (b) Inability to sever coal due to orders issued by governmental authorities for cessation or relocation of the coal severance operations; and
- (c) Inability to sell or distribute coal severed from the lease or LMU out of or away from the lease or LMU.

# §3481.4-3. Does a temporary interruption in coal severance affect the diligence requirements applicable to my lease or LMU?


No, a temporary interruption in coal severance covered by [§§ 3481.4-1 to 3481.4-4](/cfr/43/3481.4-1..3481.4-4.md) does not change the diligence requirements of [subpart 3483](/cfr/43/subpart3483.md) applicable to your lease or LMU.


# §3481.4-4. What is the aggregate amount of time I can temporarily interrupt coal severance and have BLM consider my lease or LMU producing?

- (a) If you (the lessee/operator) want BLM to consider your lease or LMU to be producing, the aggregate of all temporary interruptions in coal severance from your lease or LMU must not exceed 1 year in the 5-consecutive-year period immediately preceding the date of BLM's determination of lessee qualifications under [§ 3472.1-2](/cfr/43/3472.1-2.md) of this chapter.
- (b) BLM will not count toward the aggregate interruption limit described in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section:
  - (1) Any interruption in coal severance that is 14 days or less in duration;
  - (2) Any suspension granted under [§ 3483.3](/cfr/43/3483.3.md) of this part; and
  - (3) Any BLM-approved suspension of the requirements of [§ 3472.1-2(e)(1)](/cfr/43/3472.1-2.md?p=e-1) of this part for reasons of strikes, the elements, or casualties not attributable to the operator/lessee before diligent development is achieved.