(a) For exploration operations on your geothermal lease, you must submit all data you obtain as a result of the operations with a signed notice of completion of exploration operations under § 3253.11, unless we approve a later submission.

(b) For exploration operations on unleased lands or on leased lands where you are not the lessee or unit operator, you are not required to submit data. However, if you want your exploration operations to count toward your diligent exploration expenditure requirement (see § 3210.13), or if you are making significant expenditures to extend your lease (see § 3208.14), you must send BLM the resulting data under the rules of those sections.

After you complete exploration operations, send to BLM a complete and signed notice of completion of exploration operations, describing the exploration operations, well history, completion and abandonment procedures, and site reclamation measures. You must send this to BLM within 30 days after you:

(a) Complete any geophysical exploration operations;

(b) Complete the drilling of temperature gradient well(s) approved under your approved Notice of Intent to conduct exploration;

(c) Plug and abandon a temperature gradient well; and

(d) Plug shot holes and reclaim all exploration sites.