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(a) The Governor shall appoint a State Mine Inspector, who shall hold office for a term of two (2) years, beginning on July 1 of every odd-numbered year and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
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(b)
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(1) The mine inspector shall be a citizen of good repute and temperate habits, and he or she must have had five (5) years’ experience as a practical miner.
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(2) While holding office, the mine inspector shall not be connected with or engaged, directly or indirectly, as owner, operator, agent, or director of any coal mine or other mining interest.
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(c) The Governor and the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing shall have the power to remove a mine inspector for cause.
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(d)
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(1) Before entering upon the duties of his or her office and within twenty (20) days after his or her appointment, the mine inspector shall make and execute a bond to the State of Arkansas, with one (1) or more sufficient sureties, in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000), conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties, which shall be approved by the Governor.
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(2) When the bond is so approved, he or she shall also take the oath of office prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution.
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(3)
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(A) In the event that the mine inspector shall fail to make and execute the bond within the time prescribed by subdivision (d)(1) of this section, his or her appointment shall be declared void.
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(B) It is made the duty of the Governor to appoint and have qualified a proper person in his or her stead, as contemplated by the provisions of this section.
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(e) The State Mine Inspector shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing and shall be an employee of the Department of Labor and Licensing.
