20 CFR 726.1 : Employees' Benefits (§ 1.1 To Parts 1011-1099) — (Part 657 To Parts 1011-1099) — Office Of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department Of Labor (Part 700 To Parts 727-799) — Federal Coal Mine Health And Safety Act Of 1969, As Amended (§ 718.1 To Parts 727-799) — Black Lung Benefits; Requirements For Coal Mine Operator'S Insurance (§ 726.1 To § 726.320) — General (§ 726.1 To § 726.8) — Statutory insurance requirements for coal mine operators.

Section 423 of title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act as amended (hereinafter the Act) requires each coal mine operator who is operating or has operated a coal mine in a State which is not included in the list published by the Secretary (see part 722 of this subchapter) to secure the payment of benefits for which he may be found liable under section 422 of the Act and the provisions of this subchapter by either:

(a) Qualifying as a self-insurer, or

(b) By subscribing to and maintaining in force a commercial insurance contract (including a policy or contract procured from a State agency).