Geological and geophysical permits.

§ 211.56 Geological and geophysical permits. Permits to conduct geological and geophysical operations on Indian lands which do not conflict with any mineral leases entered into pursuant to this part, may be approved by the Secretary with the consent of the Indian mineral owner under the following conditions: (a) The permit must describe the area to be explored, the duration, and the consideration to be paid the Indian owner; (b) The permit will not grant the permittee any option or preference rights to a lease or other development contract, or authorize the production of, or removal of oil and gas, geothermal resources, or other minerals, except samples for assay and experimental purposes, unless specifically so stated in the permit; and (c) Copies of all data collected pursuant to operations conducted under the permit shall be forwarded to the Secretary and the Indian mineral owner, unless otherwise provided in the permit. Data collected under a permit may be held by the Secretary as privileged and proprietary information for the time prescribed in the permit. Where no time period is prescribed in the permit, the Secretary may release such information after six (6) years, with the consent of the Indian mineral owner.