(a) This subchapter shall not apply to any mine in existence or operation on July 1, 1995, unless the mine or quarry site has been the subject of a criminal or civil proceeding resulting from its blasting operations within the three-year period before January 1, 1995.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the authority of the Director of the Division of Labor shall not be restricted with respect to:
(1) Mines or quarries which were in existence and operation on July 1, 1995, but which change owners or operators after July 1, 1995; or
(2) New or existing mines or quarries which were not in operation on July 1, 1995.