§ 27-124 — Mine inspections required; powers of inspector

A. The mine inspector shall inspect, at least once every three months, every active underground mine in the state employing fifty or more persons, and at least once each year, every other mine. The inspector shall inspect the operation, conditions, safety appliances, machinery, equipment, sanitation and ventilation, the means of ingress and egress, the means taken to protect the lives, health and safety of the miners, the cause of accidents and deaths occurring at the mine, and the means taken to comply with the provisions of this title.

B. The mine inspector may enter and inspect any abandoned or inactive mine to determine whether any dangerous condition exists which may affect the health and safety of the general public.

C. The inspector at any time may enter, examine and inspect any mine or part of any mine and inspect any connected plant or equipment or any part of the workings of the mine.

D. The mine operator or designated representative shall accompany the inspector, without unreasonable delay, while conducting inspections.