Any person engaged in the business of mining, production and marketing of coal, any portion of which is customarily used in the manufacture of heat and power, is hereby declared to be engaged in a business essential to the welfare, health and safety of the people of Virginia, and, under the conditions and in the manner hereinafter set forth, may be seized and operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any agency created and organized for such purpose, for public uses.
Code 1950, § 45-145; 1950, p. 29; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-145; 1994, c. 28.