§22A-1-38. Applicability and enforcement of laws safeguarding life and property; rules; authority of director regarding enforcing safety laws.

All provisions of this chapter intended to safeguard life and property shall extend to all surface-mining operations, regulated under articles three and four, chapter twenty-two of this code, insofar as such laws are applicable thereto. The director shall promulgate reasonable rules in accordance with the provisions of chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to protect the safety of those employed in and around surface mines. The enforcement of all laws and rules relating to the safety of those employed in and around surface mines is hereby vested in the director and shall be enforced according to the provisions of this chapter.