A. The Oklahoma Mining Commission shall be the policy-determining agency for the Department of Mines and shall determine the broad plans and programs for the accomplishment of duties and responsibilities vested by law in said Commission, the Chief Mine Inspector and the Department of Mines, and may in the absence of an appointed Chief Mine Inspector, fix the duties and responsibilities of personnel employed by the Department including, in the absence of an appointed Chief Mine Inspector, the Director of the Department of Mines. It shall have the authority to delegate to its chairman, to one or more agents or employees, such powers and duties as it may deem proper. Each member of the Commission shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of official duties as provided in the State Travel Reimbursement Act.

B. In addition to other powers and duties specified by law, the Oklahoma Mining Commission shall have the power and duty to:

1. acquire by gift, devise, purchase or otherwise, absolutely or in trust, and to hold and, unless otherwise restricted by the terms of the gift or devise, any real property or real estate or other interest therein as may be necessary in carrying into effect the purpose of this act.

2. enter into contracts and to execute all instruments necessary to fulfill its duties, respecting the protection, preservation, maintenance and operation of such buildings and sites as it may select.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 239, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 1990, c. 266, § 74, operative July 1, 1990.