The Division can make further program improvements by conducting timely ownership research after it investigates abandoned mines and by promptly securing mines that do not have an owner (orphan mines). In addition, to fully comply with laws and regulations significant to this program, the Division needs to revise its procedures for notifying counties of

hazardous abandoned mines. These improvements may prevent accidents from occurring at hazardous mines investigated by the Division.

• The Division significantly improved its process for collecting fees from mining operators. In our 1991 audit, we estimated the Division failed to collect half of the fees due from mining operators. As a result of the Division's actions to establish collection procedures, its collection rate has increased from 50% in 1991 to 100% in 1997. (page 8)

 
• The Division does not always conduct timely research to determine who is responsible for securing abandoned mines. Eleven of 26 high hazard mines were not researched by the Division for more than one year after investigation. (page 11)

• Timely ownership research will speed up the securing of abandoned mines. When the Division conducted timely ownership research, 7 mines were secured an average of 119 days after investigation. However, because of untimely research, seven mines remained unsecured for more than a year as of June 30, 1997. (page 11)

 
• High hazard orphan mines are not always secured timely by the Division. Of the 12 high hazard orphan mines investigated by the Division during fiscal years 1996 and 1997, 6 were secured within 5 days. The other six mines remained unsecured an average of 138 days, as of June 30, 1997. (page 13)

 
• The Division did not notify Nevada counties of all dangerous conditions found in each county as required by statute. Of 26 high hazard mines we tested, counties were not notified of 8 high hazard mines. In addition, it took the Division more than a year to notify the counties of five high hazard mines. (page 14)

 

1     Develop policies, procedures, and performance
        measures to ensure timely ownership research
        for high hazard mines..........................................                     X

2     Develop policies, procedures, and performance
        measures to ensure high hazard orphan mines
        are secured timely...............................................                     X

3     Notify Nevada counties of all dangerous conditions
        as required by NRS 513.094(2)............................                     X

TOTALS                                                                                         3                            0