RAPID/Geothermal/New Mexico/Exploration
< RAPID | Geothermal | New Mexico
New Mexico Geothermal Exploration Permitting(4-NM)
Unless conducted on State Trust Lands, non-drilling exploration for geothermal resources in New Mexico that does not significantly damage or alter the land does not require a permit. Developers seeking to conduct exploration operations on State Trust Lands must obtain a Geophysical Exploration Permit from the Oil Conservation Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Following issuance of a permit, the developer is authorized to enter the land for the limited purpose of quantitative physical study of the earth by reflection and refraction seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic or radiation methods. NMAC 19.2.17.
Exploration drilling activities require a Permit to Drill. NMAC 19.14.21.8. The permitting process is detailed and requires submittal of three separate documents and a plugging bond with the Application for Permit to Drill. NMAC 19.14.21.
Determine Which State and Federal Permits Apply
Use this overview flowchart and following steps to learn which federal and state permits apply to your projects.
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Permitting at a Glance
New Mexico Federal
| Pre-Drilling Exploration Permit Agency: | New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department | Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service | |
| Pre-Drilling Exploration Permit: | No permit required if the activity does not significantly damage or alter the land. Geophysical Exploration Permit for all other non-drilling exploration. | Notice of Intent to Conduct Geothermal Resource Exploration Operations (Form 3200-009) | |
| Drilling Exploration Permit Agency: | New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department | Bureau of Land Management | |
| Drilling Exploration Permit: | Permit to Drill | Notice of Intent to Conduct Geothermal Resource Exploration Operations (Form 3200-009) (Temperature Gradient Well); Geothermal Drilling Permit (Form 3260-002) (All other drilling activities) |