§ 11-7-211 - Authority to arrest violators or clear mine -- Injunctive relief for owner. - Arkansas Statutes

11-7-211. Authority to arrest violators or clear mine -- Injunctive relief for owner.

(a) The State Mine Inspector is empowered concurrently with the sheriffs and constables throughout the state to make arrests for any violations of the mining laws of this state, but he or she shall make no arrest until after notice has been given as provided in this act.

(b) (1) Where, in the opinion of the mine inspector, there is imminent danger to the life or health of the miners or employees in the mine, the inspector shall at once notify the person in charge of or operating the mine in which the dangerous condition exists to immediately remove the danger. On failure to remove the dangerous condition without unnecessary delay, the mine inspector shall order the mine or dangerous portion thereof cleared of all persons except those necessary to remove or remedy the dangerous condition.

(2) Upon the clearing of any mine of persons employed therein, as provided in this subsection, any owner, lessee, or agent in charge of or operating the mine may apply to the circuit court within whose jurisdiction the mine lies for a writ of injunction to enjoin the mine inspector from continuing the prevention of the operation of the mine. Whereupon, the judge of the court, either in term or vacation, shall at once proceed to hear and determine the case, and if the cause appears to be sufficient after hearing the parties and their evidence, as in like cases, the judge shall sustain or overrule the mine inspector.