Any mine inspector directed by the department shall have the right to enter upon and inspect all stripping operations for the purpose of determining conditions of safety and for compliance with the provisions of this act and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Should an operator fail to comply with the requirements of this act or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, the mine inspector shall report the matter to the secretary who shall immediately notify the operator by registered mail of such failure. Unless the operator complies with the act and such rules and regulations within thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice, the secretary may, after hearing and final determination, suspend the open pit mining operator's license of the operator and issue a cease and desist order requiring the operator to immediately cease open pit mining within this Commonwealth until such time as it is determined by the secretary that the operator is in full compliance. A mine inspector shall have the authority to order the immediate stopping of any operation that is started by an unlicensed operator or without the operator thereof having first obtained a permit as required by this act or in any case where safety regulations are being violated.
52 P.S. § 681.5a