It shall be the duty of the Department of Mines to enter into and examine thoroughly each and every active strip or surface mine in the state four to six times annually and in response to compliance concerns to see that the provisions of this act are observed and strictly carried out. Mines with resident safety engineers supplying the Department with monthly self-monitoring reports shall be inspected a minimum of twice a year. The Chief Mine Inspector or assistant inspectors, or both, may enter, inspect and examine any strip or surface pit and the works and machinery belonging thereto at all times, either by night or by day. The owner and the employees may each designate a person who shall accompany the inspector during the state inspection of the mine. After each inspection the inspector shall make a report in triplicate of the condition of the mine with recommendations and orders. One copy shall be placed on file in the office of the Chief Mine Inspector, one copy shall remain with the inspector, and one copy shall be given to the operator who shall post it in a conspicuous place available for public inspection where it can be read and where it shall remain until the next state inspection report is issued. Within thirty (30) days after receiving the report of the inspector in which any important recommendations are made, the owner shall send a report to the Chief Mine Inspector stating what steps have been taken to comply with the recommendations.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 148, § 7, emerg. eff. April 7, 1978. Amended by Laws 1986, c. 308, § 8, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 2010, c. 293, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 2010.