Skip to main content
Arizona State Mine Inspector Logo
Arizona State Mine Inspector
Committed to Safety. Protecting the lives of Arizona Miners.
  • Home
  • About
    • Documents/Forms
    • F.A.Q.
  • Mine Inspections
  • Services
    • MSHA Training
    • Reclamation
    • Abandoned Mines
  • News & Events

Q: I own a mine. What am I required to do?

Arizona Revised Statute §27-318 states: Every mine operator or former mine operator or claimant who owns a mine or mining claim or possess a mine or mining claim under lease, contract, permit or otherwise, who knowingly permits the existence on the premises of an abandoned or inactive mining shaft, portal, pit or other excavation which is dangerous to persons legally on the premises, who fails to cover, fence, fill or otherwise secure it and post warning signs, within sixty days of notification by the inspector and who fails to keep it so protected is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. This means that anyone owning a mine must keep it fenced and have warning signs posted. There are no requirements for the type of fence or sign but the following are recommendations based on the standard used in Nevada.

 

Minium Standards for Fences Around Orphand Mine Shafts

Minimum Standards for Fences Around Orphaned Adits

Related Links

Arizona State Personnel System - Personnel Rules

Arizona Geological Survey

Mine Safety & Health Administration

Code of Federal Regulations

AZ Dept of Environmental Quality

AZ State Land Department

State Historic Preservation Office

AZ State Archives & Public Records

Bureau of Land Management

USGS Minerals Info - Arizona

Considering Mining Investments

AZ Radiation Reg Agency for Radon

The Ombudsman-Citizens Aide helps citizens to resolve ongoing issues with State Agencies

Arizona State Seal
Contact Us
Arizona State Mine Inspector
1700 West Washington, 4th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Find in Google Maps
Phone: 602-542-5971
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 602-542-5335
Map Image

Footer Utility

  • Privacy Policy
  • Statewide Policies
  • Site Map
  • Log In