(a) The commission shall adopt rules permitting an operator of more than one noncontiguous surface mining operation to submit a single application for a combined surface mining permit covering all his mining operations.
(b) A combined permit application shall require the same detailing of information as required by this subchapter for each separate location.
(c) An operator desiring to operate under a combined permit may submit a consolidated reclamation plan covering all his operations under rules prescribed by the commission, but he may be required to furnish specific information relating to reclamation of a single operating area if the commission determines that this is necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(d) Except as provided in this section, each surface mining operation submitted as part of a combined permit application shall be separate and independent of all other surface mining operations included in the same permit application.
(e) The commission may approve or deny an individual surface mining operation and the reclamation plan that relates to an individual surface mining operation without affecting other portions of the same permit application.