The Mine Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 34:6-98.1 et seq.) along with the Pits and Quarries Regulations (N.J.A.C. 12:185) provides for the safety and health of workers and for the construction, operation, and maintenance of pits and quarries in the interest of the life, health and safety of employees, as well as protection of property. The Mine Safety Act also provides for the development of safety educational programs. The Mine Safety Act mandates that all mines be registered annually and that each mine is to be inspected bi-annually. Records are kept and periodic inspections are also conducted on approximately 200 working and 400 abandoned mines throughout the State to ensure public and worker safety. This information is also made available to local planning boards to assist them in the safe development of their communities.

AMENDMENTS TO THE MINE SAFETY ACT

Legislation signed August 21, 2007, amended the Mine Safety Act to increase mine registration fees and monetary penalties for violations.

The amendments to the Mine Safety Act increase the mine registration fees from not less than $15 nor more than $50 for each mining registration issued to not less than $500 nor more than $3,000, and also allows the Commissioner to adjust fees in accordance with fee schedules adopted by regulation in the future.

The new registration fees have been based on annual tonnage of mining material produced and are as follows:

0 - 2,000 tons @ $500.00
2,000 - 150,000 tons @ $1,000.00
150,000 - 300,000 tons @ $2,000.00
Over 300,000 tons @ $3,000.00

Additionally, the amendments create a tiered penalty system whereby any person violating any provision of the act is now liable for a penalty of not more than $2,500 for the first offense, not more than $5,000 for the second offense and not more than $10,000 for the third and any subsequent offense. Any person violating any provision which results in serious bodily injury is now liable for a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $25,000.

The new Mine Registration Application is linked here for your convenience.

For more information, please call (609) 292-2096 or e-mail us at osc@dol.state.nj.us.