The operations under Permit 491 are a research and development project to develop the technology for the production of low and medium Btu gas via a series of two in situ coal gasification tests. Test 1 ran for 35 days and was completed December 5, 1979. The Test 2 period ran for approximately 85 days, starting August 17, 1981, and was completed November 12, 1981. Coal is never brought to the surface during this process and, therefore, coal is neither surface mined nor deep mined per se.