Information maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau
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PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
(225 ILCS 705/) Coal Mining Act.

225 ILCS 705/Art. 4

 
    (225 ILCS 705/Art. 4 heading)
ARTICLE 4.
STATE MINE INSPECTORS
AND MINE INSPECTION.
(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

225 ILCS 705/4.01

    (225 ILCS 705/4.01) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 401)
    Sec. 4.01. Each applicant for a certificate of competency as State Mine Inspector shall produce evidence satisfactory to the Mining Board that he is a resident of this State, at least thirty years of age; that he has had a practical mining experience of ten years, of which at least two years shall have been in the State of Illinois, and that he is a man of good repute and temperate habits; and that he has a first class mine manager's certificate. He shall pass an examination as to his practical and technological knowledge of mine appliances; of the proper development and operation of coal mines; of ventilation in mines; of the nature and properties of mine gases; of first aid to the injured and of mine rescue methods and appliances, as prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources; of the geology of coal measures in this State; and of the laws of this State relating to coal mines.
(Source: P.A. 101-541, eff. 8-23-19.)

225 ILCS 705/4.02

    (225 ILCS 705/4.02) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 402)
    Sec. 4.02. At the close of each examination for State Mine Inspectors the Mining Board shall prepare a list containing the names of all candidates who have received a rating above the minimum fixed by rules of the Mining Board as being persons properly qualified for the position of State Mine Inspector. Candidates shall be so listed in the order of their relative excellence. The names of candidates shall be removed from this list 24 months after the date certificate of competency has been issued and shall not be eligible for employment as State Mine Inspectors until they have taken and passed another examination. The list shall be open for public inspection at the office of the Mining Board.
(Source: Laws 1955, p. 2012.)

225 ILCS 705/4.03

    (225 ILCS 705/4.03) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 403)
    Sec. 4.03. From the names appearing on the list on file in the office of the Mining Board, the Mining Board shall select and appoint one State Mine Inspector for each of the inspection districts provided for in this Act, and two additional State Mine Inspectors for the State at large, all such appointees to be selected in the order of their appearance on the list. Nothing herein contained shall affect the tenure of any person holding the position of State Mine Inspector on the effective date of this Act. No person shall be eligible for appointment as a State Mine Inspector who has any pecuniary interest in any coal mine in Illinois.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.04

    (225 ILCS 705/4.04) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 404)
    Sec. 4.04. (Repealed).
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701. Repealed by P.A. 92-85, eff. 7-12-01.)

225 ILCS 705/4.05

    (225 ILCS 705/4.05) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 405)
    Sec. 4.05. The Mining Board shall furnish to each State Mine Inspector an anemometer, a safety lamp, blank books, stationery, printing, and such other instruments and supplies as may be required by the State Mine Inspector in the discharge of his official duties.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.06

    (225 ILCS 705/4.06) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 406)
    Sec. 4.06. State Mine Inspectors shall devote their whole time and attention to the duties of their office. State Mine Inspectors shall make a personal examination at least once every month, or more often if necessary, of each mine in their district. The Mining Board may also require State Mine Inspectors personally to examine any other mines in any other district. Every mine in the State shall be examined at least once every month by a State Mine Inspector.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.07

    (225 ILCS 705/4.07) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 407)
    Sec. 4.07. Every State Mine Inspector in his regular examination of mines shall measure with an anemometer the amount of air passing in the last crosscut in each pair of entries. He shall also investigate the condition of ventilation in all working places to see that ventilation is adequate, and in longwall mines the last face of each division. He shall measure with an anemometer the amount of air passing at the inlet and outlet of the mines. He shall compare all such air measurements with the last report of the mine examiner and the mine manager, in the mine examination book of the mine. He must verify that the legal code of signals between the engineer and the top man and the bottom man has been established and is conspicuously posted for the information of all employees.
(Source: Laws 1955, p. 2012.)

225 ILCS 705/4.08

    (225 ILCS 705/4.08) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 408)
    Sec. 4.08. State Mine Inspectors shall require that every precaution be taken to insure the health and safety of the workers employed in the mines; and that every provision of all the State laws relative to mining are obeyed.
(Source: P.A. 81-992.)

225 ILCS 705/4.09

    (225 ILCS 705/4.09) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 409)
    Sec. 4.09. State Mine Inspectors shall render written reports of mine inspection made by them to the Mining Board in such form and manner as shall be required by the Mining Board.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.10

    (225 ILCS 705/4.10) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 410)
    Sec. 4.10. State Mine Inspectors shall take prompt action for the enforcement of the penalties provided for violation of this Act.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.11

    (225 ILCS 705/4.11) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 411)
    Sec. 4.11. It is lawful for State Mine Inspectors to enter, examine, and inspect any and all coal mines and the machinery belonging thereto, at all reasonable times, by day or by night, but so as not to unreasonably obstruct, or hinder the working of such coal mines. The operator of every coal mine is required to furnish all necessary facilities for making the examination and inspection.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.12

    (225 ILCS 705/4.12) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 412)
    Sec. 4.12. If any owner, operator or agent refuses to permit the State Mine Inspector to make an inspection or to furnish the necessary facilities for making such examination and inspection, the State Mine Inspector shall file his affidavit, setting forth such refusal, with the judge of the circuit court in the county in which such mine is situated, and obtain an order on such owner, agent or operator so refusing as aforesaid, commanding him to permit and furnish such necessary facilities for the inspection of such coal mine, or be adjudged to stand in contempt of court and punished accordingly.
(Source: Laws 1965, p. 3620.)

225 ILCS 705/4.13

    (225 ILCS 705/4.13) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 413)
    Sec. 4.13. The State Mine Inspector shall post in some conspicuous place at the top of each mine inspected by him, a plain statement showing what in his judgment is necessary for the better protection of the lives and health of persons employed in the mine. The statement shall give the date of inspection and be signed by the State Mine Inspector.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.14

    (225 ILCS 705/4.14) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 414)
    Sec. 4.14. The State Mine Inspector shall post a notice at the landing used by the men, stating the number of men permitted to ride on the cage at one time, and the rate of speed at which men may be hoisted and lowered on the cages.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.15

    (225 ILCS 705/4.15) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 415)
    Sec. 4.15. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98. Repealed internally, eff. 7-1-98.)

225 ILCS 705/4.16

    (225 ILCS 705/4.16) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 416)
    Sec. 4.16. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98. Repealed internally, eff. 7-1-98.)

225 ILCS 705/4.17

    (225 ILCS 705/4.17) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 417)
    Sec. 4.17. Each State Mine Inspector shall, within 60 days after December 31 of each year, prepare and forward to the Mining Board a formal report of his acts during the year in the discharge of his duties, with any recommendations as to legislation he may deem necessary on the subject of mining. He shall collect and tabulate, upon blanks furnished by the Mining Board, all desired statistics of mines and miners within his district, to accompany his annual report.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.18

    (225 ILCS 705/4.18) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 418)
    Sec. 4.18. On the receipt of each State Mine Inspector's report the Mining Board shall compile and summarize the data to be included in the report of the Mining Board, known as the Annual Coal Report, which shall within four months thereafter, be printed, bound, and transmitted to the Governor and General Assembly for the information of the public. The printing and binding of the Annual Coal Reports shall be provided for by the Department of Central Management Services in like manner and numbers, as it provides for the publication of other official reports.
    The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by filing copies of the report as required by Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act, and filing such additional copies with the State Government Report Distribution Center for the General Assembly as is required under paragraph (t) of Section 7 of the State Library Act.
(Source: P.A. 100-1148, eff. 12-10-18.)

225 ILCS 705/4.19

    (225 ILCS 705/4.19) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 419)
    Sec. 4.19. Every coal operator shall, within 20 days after December 31 of each year, furnish to the State Mine Inspector of the district, on blanks furnished by him prior to said December 31, statistics of the wages and conditions of their employees as required by law. The failure of any State Mine Inspector to forward to the Mining Board his formal report, as provided herein, or the failure of any coal operator to furnish to the State Mine Inspector of the district the statistics provided for herein, shall be adjudged a petty offense and fined not to exceed $100.
(Source: P.A. 77-2718.)

225 ILCS 705/4.20

    (225 ILCS 705/4.20) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 420)
    Sec. 4.20. No State Mine Inspector shall solicit or accept any political campaign contribution or gratuity of any kind or character, from any mine operator or his agent; from any coal sales company, or their agents or representatives; or from any miner, local union or union official. In the event he does so solicit or accept any such contribution or gratuity from any person he is guilty of an act tending to the unlawful injury of miners, and is guilty of malfeasance, and in that event, the Mining Board shall declare the position of the State Mine Inspector vacant.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.21

    (225 ILCS 705/4.21) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 421)
    Sec. 4.21. No official or employee of the Department of Natural Resources shall solicit, or request any State Mine Inspector of the State of Illinois to solicit, political campaign contributions or a gratuity of any kind or character from any mine operator or his agent, or from any coal sales company or its agent or representatives, or from any miner or local union or other officials.
(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

225 ILCS 705/4.22

    (225 ILCS 705/4.22) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 422)
    Sec. 4.22. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of Sections 4.20 or 4.21 is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
(Source: P.A. 77-2718.)

225 ILCS 705/4.23

    (225 ILCS 705/4.23) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 423)
    Sec. 4.23. The State shall be divided into not to exceed 22 inspection districts, the division to be made by the Mining Board. The Mining Board may change the boundaries of the districts from time to time in order to more equally distribute the labor and expenses of the several State Mine Inspectors, and may at any time reduce the number of inspection districts, and the number of State Mine Inspectors employed. However, there shall be no fewer than 16 State Mine Inspectors if there are 40 or more mines operational in the State, no fewer than 12 State Mine Inspectors if at least 30 but fewer than 40 mines are operational, no fewer than 8 State Mine Inspectors if at least 20 but fewer than 30 mines are operational, and no fewer than 4 State Mine Inspectors if at least 10 but fewer than 20 mines are operational.
    For purposes of this Section, "mine" or "coal mine" means any area of land and any structures, facilities, machinery, tools, equipment, shafts, slopes, tunnels, excavations, and other property, real or personal, placed under, upon, or above the surface of the land by any person, that is used in, to be used in, or resulting from the work of extracting from that area of land bituminous coal, lignite, or anthracite from its natural deposit in the earth.
(Source: P.A. 88-391; 88-472.)

225 ILCS 705/4.24

    (225 ILCS 705/4.24) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 424)
    Sec. 4.24. Upon a petition signed by not less than three coal operators, or 10 coal miners, or by the Director of the Office of Mines and Minerals, setting forth that any State Mine Inspector neglects his duties, or that he is incompetent, or that he is guilty of malfeasance, or guilty of any act tending to the unlawful injury of miners or operators of mines, the Mining Board shall issue a citation to the State Mine Inspector to appear before it within a period of 15 days on a day fixed for a hearing, when the Mining Board shall investigate the allegations of the petitioners. In the event of a citation, as referred to above, the Mining Board in its discretion may immediately remove the State Mine Inspector involved from service pending the hearing aforesaid mentioned. If the Mining Board finds that the State Mine Inspector has neglected his duty or is incompetent or that he is guilty of malfeasance or guilty of any act tending to the injury of miners or operators of mines, the Mining Board shall declare the position of said State Mine Inspector vacant, and a properly qualified person shall be duly appointed, in the manner provided for in this Act, to fill the vacancy.
(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

225 ILCS 705/4.25

    (225 ILCS 705/4.25) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 425)
    Sec. 4.25. Each State Mine Inspector shall collect samples of mine atmospheres and mine dusts for analysis by the Departmental Analytical Laboratory. All such samples shall be collected in accordance with the rules of the Mining Board and submitted to the Analytical Laboratory. The results of analysis of mine atmosphere samples by the Analytical Laboratory shall be used by the State Mine Inspector as a basis for classification of mines as being gassy or non-gassy. The results of analysis of dust samples by the Analytical Laboratory shall be used by the State Mine Inspector as a basis for recommendations with respect to the rock dusting requirements of this Act. The operator of the mine from which samples of air and dust are taken shall be furnished a copy of the results of such analysis.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.26

    (225 ILCS 705/4.26) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 426)
    Sec. 4.26. Any State Mine Inspector who discovers that any section of this Act, or part thereof, is being neglected or violated, shall order immediate compliance therewith, and, in case of failure to comply shall have power to stop the operation of the mine or to remove any offending person or persons from the mine until the law is complied with.
(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

225 ILCS 705/4.30

    (225 ILCS 705/4.30) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 430)
    Sec. 4.30. If any State Mine Inspector finds that any provision of this Act is being violated, he shall file a sworn complaint before the circuit court, stating the facts within his knowledge in such case and asking that the person charged with such violation be bound over to the next grand jury for the county. The State's Attorney for the county in which such violation occurs shall prosecute such complaint, as provided by law in other State cases.
(Source: P.A. 79-1358.)

225 ILCS 705/4.33

    (225 ILCS 705/4.33) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 433)
    Sec. 4.33. If any State Mine Inspector willfully fails, neglects or refuses to file a complaint as herein required, or willfully disregards the duties required of him by the provisions of this Act, a sworn complaint may be filed by any person having knowledge of the facts, before the circuit court, charging the State Mine Inspector with nonfeasance in office and asking that such inspector be bound over to the next grand jury for the county, and the State's Attorney for the county in which such violation occurs shall prosecute such complaint as provided by law in other State cases.
(Source: P.A. 79-1358.)

225 ILCS 705/4.34

    (225 ILCS 705/4.34) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 434)
    Sec. 4.34. Upon final conviction for nonfeasance in office under the provisions of this Act of any State Mine Inspector his certificate of qualification or of competency, as the case may be, shall be thereby invalidated and he shall become disqualified from holding such office, and such person shall not be entitled to receive another certificate of qualification or of competency, as the case may be, within 3 months from the date of such final conviction.
(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2076.)

225 ILCS 705/4.35

    (225 ILCS 705/4.35) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 435)
    Sec. 4.35. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98. Repealed internally, eff. 7-1-98.)

225 ILCS 705/4.36

    (225 ILCS 705/4.36) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 436)
    Sec. 4.36. On each visit to a mine, the State Mine Inspector shall notify a representative of the miners that he is there to make an inspection. The miners' representative may elect to accompany the Inspector during his inspection and shall suffer no loss of pay. Following each inspection, the Inspector shall meet with the management of the mine and the representative of the miners to discuss his findings, recommendations and general safety conditions of the mine. His findings and recommendations, together with the time allowed to comply, shall be posted in a conspicuous place following each inspection. For the purposes of this Section, where 2 or more Inspectors travel together, only one representative of the miners who accompanies the Inspectors shall suffer no loss of pay.
(Source: P.A. 83-1234.)