(a) In accordance with section 8(k) of the Act, leases shall be awarded only to qualified persons offering the highest cash bonus bid.
(b) Mineral leases issued pursuant to section 8 of the Act may be held only by:
(1) Citizens and nationals of the United States;
(2) Aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20);
(3) Private, public, or municipal corporations organized under the laws of the United States or of any State or of the District of Columbia or territory thereof; or
(4) Associations of such citizens, nationals, resident aliens, or private, public, or municipal corporations, States, or political subdivisions of States.