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14 <br />The MLA specifically provided for force majeure suspensions for non-FCLAA coal <br />~ (30 D.S.C. 207 (1970)) as well ae for phosphate (30 U.S.C. 212 (1970)). The <br />~ MLA, as amended, specifically provides for such force majeure suspensions for <br />FCLAA coal (30 U.S.C. 207(b) (1976)). Force majeure suspensions are also <br />authorized for potassium by Section 3 of the Act of February 7, 1927, as <br />, amended (30 U.S.C. 283). <br />For sodium, sulphur, and gilaonite leases, the MLA is silent regarding <br />interruption of lease operations by strikes, the elements, or casualties not <br />attributable to the lessee. Therefore, where MLA or the lease itself does not <br />prohibit it, the Secretary under his general administrative authority is <br />authorized to approve such a suspension if necessary for the proper <br />administration of the Federal lands and resources. Under the Secretary's <br />general rulemaking authority for solid minerals in Section 32 of MLA (30 <br />U.S.C. 189), force majeure suspensions for these solid mineral leases has been <br />provided by regulation at 43 CFR 3503.2-4. A force majeure suspension may be <br />granted where it is reasonable and necessary for the proper administration of <br />the Federal lands and resources. The Secretary's rulemaking authority has <br />also been utilized to provide force majeure suspensions for hardrock minerals <br />and other special-act solid minerals administered under 43 CFB Group 3500. <br />The following chart summarizes the statutory authority and regulations which <br />apply to coal and solid mlaerals. <br />a. Statutory Requirements. The atatutorq language for force majeure <br />auepeneioas of coal leases varies slightly from the statutory language for <br />phosphate and potassium leases. Ae originally enacted, Section 7 of MLA <br />provided that non-PCLAA coal leases would be based upon the 'condition of <br />diligent development and continued operation of the mine or mines, ezcept when <br />+r.. <br />i \_ <br />Attachment 1-17 <br />2. Suspension-Qualification Criteria. <br />