; (2) byproduct and co-product production at existing mining, mine waste reclamation, and other industrial facilities; (3) modernization of mining, beneficiation, and value-added processing to increase productivity, environmental sustainability, and workforce safety; or (4) any other activity authorized under section 303(a)(1) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4533(a)(1) ). (c) Exception An action described in subsection (b) may not be treated as a covered project or be included in the Permitting Dashboard under subsection (a) if the project sponsor (as defined in section 41001(18) of the FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 21 4370m(18))) requests that the action not be treated as a covered project. 306. Notice for mineral exploration activities with limited surface disturbance (a) In general Not later than 15 days before commencing an exploration activity with a surface disturbance of not more than 5 acres of public lands, the operator of such exploration activity shall submit to the Secretary concerned a complete notice of such exploration activity. (b) Inclusions Notice submitted under subsection (a) shall include such information the Secretary concerned may require, including the information described in section 3809.301 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation). (c) Review Not later than 15 days after the Secretary concerned receives notice submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall— (1) review and determine completeness of the notice; and (2) allow exploration activities to proceed if— (A) the surface disturbance of such exploration activities on such public lands will not exceed 5 acres; (B) the Secretary concerned determines that the notice is complete