rules to conserve the State's oil and gas resources (Code 1957, Art.
66C, sees. 15-17, 675-95, 718-55).

Appropriations 1961 1962

General Funds $106,734 $115,013
Special Funds 12,720 12,720

Total $119,454 $127,733

BUREAU OF MINES
Frank J. Powers, Director
City Building, Westernport Telephone: Westernport Fleetwood 9-4031

The first Mine Inspectors were appointed by the Governor in 1878
to serve in Allegany and Garrett counties (Chapter 157, Acts of 1878).
These inspectors functioned independently, reporting only to the Gov-
ernor, until 1916, when they were placed within the Board of Labor
and Statistics by Chapter 410, Acts of 1916. The inspection powers
became a function of the Bureau of Mines upon its organization in
1922 as a unit of the Department of Labor and Statistics (Chapter 307,
Acts of 1922). When the Board of Natural .Resources was organized in
1941, the Bureau was transferred to the newly created Department of
Geology, Mines and Water Resources. The Director of the Bureau is
appointed by the Governor from a list of eligible persons certified by
the State Commissioner of Personnel. The Bureau of Mines inspects
all mines within the State for proper sanitation, ventilation, and safety
standards in all mining operations. All persons or corporations engag-
ing in open-pit or strip mining operations are required to register with
the Bureau before starting operations and to report periodically dur-
ing such operations. Effective June 1, 1955, all strip-mining operators
must obtain a permit from the Bureau, pay a filing fee of $200, and
furnish bond at $100 per acre, said bond to be released when acreage
has been backfilled and meets with the approval of the Director of
the Bureau. During the 1959 Session, the General Assembly amended
the Strip Mining Law; and, effective June 1, 1959, the operator must
pay a filing fee of $50, and furnish bond at $300 per acre, no bond
being for less than $1,20O. The Bureau of Mines examines all appli-
cants for certificates of competency as mine foremen, assistant mine
foremen, and fire bosses. It conducts classes in mining operations
throughout the western part of the State and furnishes training in
gas detection to men applying for first-class certificates and fire boss
certificates of competency. This work is being done in cooperation
with the United States Bureau of Mines (Code 1957, Art. 66C, sees.
486-674).

Mine Examining Board

Chairman: Frank J. Powers
Leslie T. Foote, Miners; Arthur P. Hoffa, Sr., Operators

The Mine Examining Board, created by Chapter 307, Acts of 1922,
consists of the Director of the Bureau of Mines, who also acts as
Chairman of the Board, and two persons appointed by the Governor,
one representing the miners and the other the operators. Each appoin-
tee serves until his successor is appointed and qualifies. The Board
examines applicants for the rating of first-class mine foreman and fire
boss and issues "certificates of competency" to each successful appli-