MN HF3089

Mining operations must erect and maintain a minimum three-strand wire fence along mine perimeters when operations cease for six consecutive months or longer, with county inspectors able to require more secure fencing based on site conditions.

County mine inspectors must notify mining operators to maintain fencing, barriers, and signs around abandoned mine shafts, caves, and open pits; if the operator no longer exists, the fee owner becomes responsible.

If fee owners fail to maintain required safety barriers, counties may abate the nuisance and assess costs under section 429.101.

Exemptions are available for property owned by the Iron Range Resources office, municipal parks and recreational areas, trails, and economic development projects, but exempted sites must display warning signs at public access points.

Persons who open, remove, or disturb required fencing without replacing it are guilty of a misdemeanor; theft of fencing materials may be prosecuted under theft statutes.