---
kind: "section"
citation: "30 U.S.C. § 1309b"
title: "30"
title_heading: "Mineral Lands and Mining"
number: "1309b"
heading: "Research"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/30/1309b"
units:
  - "Chapter 25 — Surface Mining Control and Reclamation"
  - "Subchapter VII — Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions"
---

# §1309b. Research


The [Office](/usc/30/1291.md?p=12) of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is authorized to conduct studies, [research](/usc/30/661.md?p=b-1) and demonstration projects relating to the implementation of, and compliance with, subchapter V of this chapter, and provide technical assistance to [states](/usc/30/1291.md?p=24)[^1] for that purpose. Prior to approving any such studies, [research](/usc/30/661.md?p=b-1) or demonstration projects the Director, [Office](/usc/30/1291.md?p=12) of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, shall first consult with the Director, Bureau of Mines, and obtain a determination from such Director that the Bureau of Mines is not already conducting like or similar studies, [research](/usc/30/661.md?p=b-1) or demonstration projects. Studies, [research](/usc/30/661.md?p=b-1) and demonstration projects for the purposes of subchapter IV of this chapter shall only be conducted in accordance with [section 1231(c)(6)](/usc/30/1231.md?p=c-6)[^2] of this title.


## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
[^2]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 95–87, title VII, § 721, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, § 2504(c)(3), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3105.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 1231(c)(6) of this title, referred to in text, was repealed and paragraph (8) of section 1231(c) was redesignated (6) by Pub. L. 109–432, div. C, title II, § 201(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3006.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Change of Name

Bureau of Mines redesignated United States Bureau of Mines by section 10(b) of Pub. L. 102–285, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. For provisions relating to closure and transfer of functions of the United States Bureau of Mines, see Transfer of Functions note set out under section 1 of this title.