A. When mining operations are scheduled to begin at any mine, the operator, owner, agent or other authorized representative shall give written notice to the inspector prior to commencement of mining.

Terms Used In Arizona Laws 27-303

  • Inspector: means the state mine inspector and except in article 7 of this chapter his deputies. See Arizona Laws 27-301
  • Mine: means all lands containing excavations, underground passageways, shafts, tunnels and workings, structures, facilities, equipment, machines or other property including impoundments, retention dams, tailings and waste dumps, on the surface or underground, used in, to be used in or resulting from the work of extracting minerals or other materials, excluding hydrocarbons. See Arizona Laws 27-301
  • Mining: means those activities conducted to develop or extract materials from a mine including on-site transportation, concentrating, milling, leaching, smelting or other processing of ores or other materials. See Arizona Laws 27-301
  • Operation: means a mine, mill, smelter, sand and gravel plant or pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical operation. See Arizona Laws 27-301
  • Operator: means a natural person, corporation, partnership association, agent, governmental entity or other public or private organization or representative owning, controlling or managing a mine. See Arizona Laws 27-301
  • Property: includes both real and personal property. See Arizona Laws 1-215
  • Writing: includes printing. See Arizona Laws 1-215

B. If operations do not commence within six months after the inspector receives the notice of commencement, the operation is considered to be suspended.

C. In the case of temporary suspension of operations, excluding labor disputes, exceeding six months or in the case of permanent termination of mining operations, the operator shall notify the inspector, in writing, before the suspension or termination date. All shafts, portals, adits or other openings shall be secured to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect public health and safety pursuant to section 27-318.

D. On notification of suspension or termination of mining operations, the inspector shall inspect the property to determine if adequate safety measures are being taken to protect the public.