The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Bureau of Mines, is authorized and directed to establish, and maintain a research laboratory in the lignite-consuming region of North Dakota. Its purpose is to conduct researches and investigations on the mining, preparation and utilization of lignite coal and to develop new scientific, chemical and technical uses and new and extended markets and outlets for lignite coal and its products.
Such laboratory is planned as a center for information and assistance in matters relating to conserve lignite coal resources for national defence and security; to the more efficient mining, preparation, and utilization of lignite coal and pertaining to safety, health, and sanitation in mining operations and other matters relating to problems of the lignite industry.
Further, the Secretary, acting on behalf of the United States Bureau of Mines, is authorized to acquire land and interests therein. He is also authorised to accept in the name of the United States donations of any property, real or personal, and to use voluntary or uncompensated services at such laboratory. The Secretary is directed to cooperate with other departments or agencies of the Federal Government, States, and State agencies and institutions, counties, municipalities, business or other organizations, corporations, associations, universities, scientific societies and individuals, upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe.
