Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org36442045.2-725 Explosives and blasting practices in shaft and slope operations2026Mines, Minerals, and EnergyCoal MiningUnderground Coal MinesRequirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Mine ConstructionExplosives and Blasting

A. Every blasting area in a shaft or slope operation shall be covered with mats or materials when the excavations are too shallow to retain the blasted material.

B. If explosives are in the shaft or slope when an electrical storm approaches, every miner shall be removed from the working place until the storm has passed.

1978, c. 729, § 45.1-53.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.132; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.