A. In addition to any other power conferred by law, the Chief, or his designated representative, shall have the authority to issue an order closing any coal mine which is operating without a license. The procedure for issuing a closure order shall be as provided in § 45.1-161.91.

B. Any person operating an unlicensed mine shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Each day any person operates an unlicensed mine shall constitute a separate offense.

History

Code 1950, § 45-17.4; 1958, c. 306; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-25; 1978, c. 489; 1994, c. 28; 1997, c. 390.