; or (7) the trust responsibility of the Federal Government to an Indian Tribe. III Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development 301. General standard for hardrock mining on Federal land Notwithstanding section 302(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1732(b) ), the first section of the Act of June 4, 1897 ( 16 U.S.C. 478 ), and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq. ), and in accordance with this title and applicable law, unless expressly stated otherwise in this Act, the Secretary shall ensure that mineral activities on any Federal land that is subject to a mining claim, millsite, tunnel site, or any authorization issued under title I of this Act are carefully controlled to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of Federal land and resources. 302. Permits (a) Permits required No person may engage in mineral activities on Federal land that may cause a disturbance of surface resources, including land, air, ground water and surface water, and fish and wildlife, unless a permit is issued to such person under this title authorizing such activities. (b) Casual use Notwithstanding subsection (a), a permit under this title shall not be required for mineral activities that are a casual use of the Federal land. (c) National Environmental Policy Act (1) In general The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct the permit processes under this Act in accordance with the timing and other requirements under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4332 ). (2) Coordination To the extent practicable, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate the permit process. 303. Exploration permit (a) Authorized exploration activity (1) In general A person may apply for an exploration permit for any mining claim, license, or lease authorizing the applicant to remove a reasonable amount of the hardrock minerals, as defined in the license or lease or established in such regulations as the