Regulation of Mining Activity

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This is Article 2 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Regulation of Mining Activity.” It is part of Chapter 10 “Virginia Coal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1979”, which is part of Part C “Surface Coal Mines”, which is part of Subtitle II “Coal Mining”, which is part of Title 45.2 “Mines, Minerals, and Energy”. It contains 21 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 21 sections.

§ 45.2-1008 Coal exploration operations
§ 45.2-1009 Permit required for coal surface mining operation; term; transfer, etc
§ 45.2-1010 Form and contents of permit application; fee
§ 45.2-1011 Operation and reclamation plans
§ 45.2-1012 Revision of permits
§ 45.2-1013 Approval or denial of permit
§ 45.2-1014 Public participation in process of issuing or revising permits
§ 45.2-1015 Decision of Director upon permit application; hearing; appeal
§ 45.2-1016 Performance bonds
§ 45.2-1017 Performance standards
§ 45.2-1018 Surface effects of underground coal mining operations
§ 45.2-1019 Inspections and monitoring
§ 45.2-1020 Enforcement of chapter generally
§ 45.2-1021 Civil and criminal penalties
§ 45.2-1022 Citizen suits; rights of citizens to accompany inspectors
§ 45.2-1023 Forfeiture or release of performance bond
§ 45.2-1024 Performance of reclamation operations by Director
§ 45.2-1025 Administrative review of notice or order issued under § 45.2-1020
§ 45.2-1026 Hearings
§ 45.2-1027 Judicial review of final order or decision or decision under § 45.2-1035
§ 45.2-1028 Designating areas unsuitable for coal surface mining