§ 45-41. Disputes between operators and miners.

In case of dispute between operators and miners on the proper interpretation of rules, regulations, and laws in relation to mines and subjects relating thereto and providing for the health and safety of persons employed therein, and the dispute is filed in formal written form with the Department of Mines, the Chief Mine Inspector shall call a meeting of the Mining Board to review the dispute.  An opinion of the proper interpretation of the disputed rule, regulation, or law, concurred in by a majority of the Mining Board, shall be binding upon the mining department to enforce, and the operators and miners must abide by the opinion unless the opinion of the Mining Board is at variance with an opinion of interpretation by the Attorney General of the intent of the rule, regulation, or law. In case the opinion of the Attorney General is at variance with the opinion of the Mining Board, then all parties must abide by the opinion of the Attorney General, except that all parties shall have recourse to courts of this state.

In case operators or miners shall file formal written charges with the Department of Mines that any law or laws in relation to mining and subjects relating thereto and providing for the health and safety of persons employed therein have been violated, the Chief Mine Inspector shall call the parties involved before the Mining Board to hear the evidence for and the defense against said charges. By majority vote the charges are valid and true.

Laws 1965, c. 262, § 4, emerg. eff. June 23, 1965.