Mine Inspectors

Promoting mine safety through proactive compliance activity

Barry D. Lesar, Inspector of Mines
7823 Highway 135
Virginia, MN  55792   (218) 742-9840

The office of the Mine Inspector operates under the authority of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 180.  It consists of one Mine Inspector and three Assistant Mine Inspectors.

The duties of the Mine Inspector and Assistants are to Inspect active mining properties at least once every 90 days to determine that the mining and processing is done in a safe manner. To conduct accident investigations to determine the causes of accidents, and to take steps to prevent similar types of accidents in the future.  Fencing inspections are done on all 283 inactive mines at least annually to reduce the amount of access to hazardous areas, and assist in locating abandoned mine shafts that are potential hazards.