30-2-202. Duties of inspector; duties of deputy inspectors.

(a) The inspector shall:

(i) At reasonable times, day or night, without impeding or obstructing work, enter, inspect and examine any mining operation in development, construction or operation, including the workings and the machinery and may request the assistance of other state agencies;

(ii) Collect state mining statistics and report to the governor annually no later than March 31 for the preceding calendar year. The report shall include the statistics and may include recommendations concerning further mining legislation. The statistics in the report shall include for each mine:

(A) A record of all mining accidents preventing victims from returning to work the day following the injury;

(B) Corrective measures taken to prevent the reoccurrence of fatal accidents;

(C) Tons produced;

(D) Number of man hours worked.

(iii) Maintain a properly indexed, permanent record of all inspections made and reports filed under this act;

(iv) Ensure maps or diagrams of all underground mines in the state are accurately made and filed in his office. Maps, diagrams and any plans filed shall be preserved as a permanent and confidential record. If an adjoining operator can show need for safety reasons, he shall be given access to individual maps, diagrams and plans;

(v) Supervise the deputy inspectors and have full authority over their official activities;

(vi) Enforce all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the safety of mine operations in this state;

(vii) Revoke, in writing, any order issued by a deputy inspector clearing a mine or portion thereof of persons, after he makes a personal examination of the mine affected and determines it to be in a safe condition to operate;

(viii) To the extent possible, collect, organize and make available studies, information and dates concerning mineral deposits, geological formations and mining and milling operations in this state;

(ix) Exercise supervision necessary for enforcement of this act over and inspection of all mining exploration mines, mining operations, upgrading, processing, milling and beneficiation plants within the state including the inspection of drill holes to ensure the holes have been properly abandoned.

(b) Every deputy inspector shall perform inspections and other activities as the inspector directs or as provided by law.