                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 MINE OPENINGS (§ 45.2-726)

A. Except as provided in &#xA7; 45.2-728, there shall be at least two travel
ways, entries, or openings to the surface from each section of a mine worked.
Each longwall panel shall be developed with at least three entries; however, if
new technology becomes available pursuant to which a two-entry system can be
safely developed, such technology may be used, with the approval of the Chief.

B. One of the required travel ways may be the haulage road.

C. The first opening shall not be made through an adjoining mine. The second
opening may be made through an adjoining mine.

D. One of the required travel ways shall be designated as the primary escapeway
and shall be in an intake airway.

E. Any surface structure where miners congregate or where the mine map or other
official records are kept at the mine shall be offset at least 15 feet from the
nearest side of any mine opening or otherwise located to be out of the zone of
danger if an explosion occurs, unless otherwise approved by the Chief.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 45-71, 45-71.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§
45.1-94, 45.1-95; 1984, c. 228; 1985, c. 395; 1990, c. 372; 1992, c. 360; 1994,
c. 28, § 45.1-161.162; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.