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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>364574</law_id><section_number>45.2-938</section_number><catch_line> Safety precautions</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2026/" slug="2026" current="TRUE" last_updated="2026-08-02">2026</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="99" identifier="45.2">Mines, Minerals, and Energy</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="2" identifier="II">Coal Mining</unit><unit label="part" level="3" order_by="3" identifier="C">Surface Coal Mines</unit><unit label="chapter" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="9">Requirements Applicable to Surface Coal Mines</unit><unit label="article" level="5" order_by="12" identifier="12">Auger and Highwall Mining</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> No person shall enter an auger hole or highwall miner entry without prior approval from the <span class="dictionary">Chief</span>. <a id="paragraph-1358353" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> Every auger hole or highwall miner entry shall be blocked with highwall spoil or other suitable <span class="dictionary">material</span> before it is abandoned. <a id="paragraph-1358354" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> Every auger or highwall mining machine that is exposed to any highwall or explosion hazard shall be provided with worker protection from falling <span class="dictionary">material</span> and a mine explosion. <a id="paragraph-1358355" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D"><p><span class="prefix-number">D.</span> At least one person shall be assigned to observe the highwall for possible movement while ground personnel are working in a high-risk area in close proximity to the highwall. <a id="paragraph-1358356" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#D"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E"><p><span class="prefix-number">E.</span> All persons shall <span class="dictionary">stay</span> clear of any moving auger or highwall miner train, and no person shall pass over or under a moving train unless adequate crossing facilities are provided. <a id="paragraph-1358357" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#E"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F"><p><span class="prefix-number">F.</span> The ground control plan shall specify any spacing of holes, web design, and use of alignment control devices. <a id="paragraph-1358358" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#F"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G"><p><span class="prefix-number">G.</span> The ground control plan shall include other administrative, engineering, and source controls that are to be provided for safe operations. <a id="paragraph-1358359" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/45.2-938/#G"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1994, c. 28, &#xA7; 45.1-161.291; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
