Each year the owner, operator, lessee or licensee of each mine procures a license from the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing from one of the six district offices located throughout the commonwealth. Any owner, operator, lessee or licensee who assumes control of a mine, opens a new mine or reopens an abandoned mine during any calendar year must obtain a license before mining operations begin.

Safety inspections are made by well-qualified and trained inspectors who are stationed in the six district offices and mine rescue stations throughout the commonwealth. Inspectors carry out and enforce the laws of Kentucky as specified by KRS 351 – 352 and associated regulations. Inspectors report on the condition of the mine and a copy of the inspection report is given to the operator or superintendent of each mine. Inspections are proactive accident prevention measures used to identify hazards prior to their causing accidents.

In addition to the licensing and inspection of coal mines, the division also produces an Annual Report. The Annual Report covers the complete operation of all mines in the state during the preceding calendar year and includes the number of accidents, the number of persons employed and tons of coal mined.