The primary responsibility of this section is to inspect all working places in mines to ensure compliance with state laws and rules which protect the safety of persons working in the mining industry. This section also coordinates rescue efforts in the event of a mine disaster and investigates fatal mine accidents. Training programs are provided to miners in mine safety, rescue and first aid. Mine foreman and fire boss certifications are administered through the Board of Examiners of Mine Personnel and production records are kept for coal and other minerals mined in Alabama.

A large collection of underground mine maps dating back to the late 1800’s are maintained. Since the presence of abandoned mines can be a critical factor in the structural stability of potential building sites, developers have found DIR’s maps to be invaluable in siting new structures and avoiding subsidence-prone areas.