444.845.  Coal exploration permit required — contents of application — bond required — confidential items — limitation on removal of coal — sections 444.800 to 444.940 applicable to coal exploration rules and regulations. — 1.  All persons conducting coal exploration operations must obtain a permit and those operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface must be conducted in accordance with exploration regulations adopted by the commission.  The permit application shall include, at a minimum, a description of the exploration area and the period of supposed exploration and provisions for reclamation in accordance with the performance standards in section 444.855 of all lands disturbed in exploration, including excavations, roads, drill holes, and the removal of necessary facilities and equipment; and shall be accompanied by a bond pursuant to section 444.830, except that the minimum bond shall be one thousand dollars.

  2.  Information submitted pursuant to this subsection as confidential concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or financial information which relates to the competitive rights of the person or entity intended to explore the described area shall not be available for public examination.

  3.  Any person who conducts any coal exploration activities which substantially disturb the natural land surface in violation of this section or regulations issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to the provisions of section 444.870.

  4.  No operator shall remove more than two hundred and fifty tons of coal pursuant to an exploration permit without the specific written approval of the commission.

  5.  The provisions of this law are applicable to coal exploration operations with such modifications to the permit application requirements, permit approval or denial procedures, bond requirements and other appropriate requirements as are necessary to accommodate the distinct differences for coal exploration operations.  The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations setting forth such modifications.