Section 3102 - Written authorization needed to mine within safety zone(a) No mining or removal of minerals whatsoever shall be permitted within the safety zone unless authorization is specifically granted in advance and in writing by the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries. (b) Such authorization shall only be granted upon application of the operator and/or the lessor. Such application shall be accompanied by four copies of a plan of the proposed mining operation. The plan shall indicate the thickness of the unconsolidated strata, the thickness of the rock strata and coal beds overlying the bed to be mined, the thickness of the bed, the widths of the openings to be made and the width of the pillars to be left, and any other special features that may be deemed necessary as affecting the contemplated first mining.(c) The Department of Mines and Mineral Industries shall make periodic examinations to determine the accuracy of all plans, maps and drawings submitted to them under the provisions of this act.1959, Dec. 22, P.L. 1994, No. 729, § 2.