Government to Undertake Coal Exploration Development and Production.
Section 4
SECTION 4. Government to Undertake Coal Exploration Development and Production. — The Government, through the Energy Development Board, its successors or assigns, shall undertake by itself the active exploration, development and production of coal resources. It may also execute coal operating contracts as hereafter defined. The active exploration and exploitation of coal resources by the Government or through coal operating contracts may cover public lands, any unreserved or unappropriated coal bearing lands, claims located and recorded by private parties areas covered by valid and subsisting coal revocable permits, coal leases and other existing rights granted by the Government for the exploration and exploitation of coal lands, government mineral reservations, coal areas/mines whose leases or permits are presently owned or operated or held by government-owned or controlled corporations and coal mineable areas operated or held by government agencies.