; or (B) demonstrates eligibility for a lease and requests conversion under the regulations issued under subsection (d). (2) Shortening of period The 10-year period referred to in paragraph (1) shall be shortened to 3 years if— (A) the claim is for an area that is located in an area withdrawn or temporarily segregated from location under the general mining laws as of the effective date of this Act; or (B) the claim belongs to a small miner. (3) Conversion The Secretary concerned may convert a claim described in paragraph (1) to a noncompetitive mining lease pursuant to the regulations issued under subsection (d) if such Secretary determines that the claim holder has shown the presence of a valuable mineral deposit on the land subject to such claim. (4) Claims not converted Any claims described in paragraph (1) not converted to noncompetitive leases under paragraph (3) at the end of the applicable period under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be void. (c) Existing claims with plan of operations (1) In general In the case of any claim under the general mining laws for which a plan of operations has been approved but for which operations have not commenced before the on the effective date of this Act— (A) during the 10-year period beginning on the effective date of this Act— (i) mineral activities on lands subject to such claim shall be subject to such plan of operations; and (ii) the Secretary shall allow the operator to make changes to such plan subject to applicable law as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act if the Secretary determines that the requested changes are minor