(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to work as a coal miner in any coal mine in this state without first having a certificate of qualification and competency to do so from the Director of the Division of Labor, nor shall any person, firm, or corporation employ as a coal miner in his or her coal mine in the State of Arkansas any person who does not hold a certificate, nor shall any mine foreman, overseer, or superintendent permit or suffer any person to be employed under him or her, or in any coal mine under his or her charge or supervision, as a coal miner in this state, except as provided in this act, who does not hold a certificate of qualification.
(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this section or § 11-7-411 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be fined in the sum of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) or by imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court or jury trying the case.