A. No person shall engage in the operation of any coal mine within this Commonwealth without first obtaining a license from the Department. A license shall be required prior to commencement of the operation of a mine. A separate license shall be secured for each mine operated. Licenses shall be in such form as the Director may prescribe. The license shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the main entrance to the mine. The license shall not be transferable and every change in ownership of a mine shall be reported to the Department as provided in subsection B of § 45.1-161.62.
B. Licenses for coal mines shall be valid for a period of no more than one year following the date of issuance and shall be renewed annually within fifteen days following the anniversary of the date the mine began operations.
Code 1950, § 45-17.1; 1958, c. 306; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-22; 1978, c. 489; 1984, c. 590; 1988, c. 577; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 1997, c. 390.