In promulgating rules and regulations pursuant to § 45.1-161.294, the Director shall consider:
1. Standards utilized and generally recognized by the underground mineral mining industry;
2. Standards established by recognized professional mineral mining organizations and groups;
3. The federal mine safety law;
4. Research, demonstrations, experiments, and such other information that is available regarding the maintenance of a reasonable degree of safety protection, including the latest available scientific data in the field, the technical and economic feasibility of the standards, and the experience gained under this Act and other mine safety laws; and
5. Such other criteria as shall be necessary for the protection of safety and health of miners and other persons or property likely to be affected by underground mineral mines or related operations.
1994, c. 28.