K.S.A. 49-429

Notwithstanding the general applicability of this act to surface mining, no person shall engage in underground coal mining in this state without first obtaining a permit from the secretary. The provisions of this act shall apply to all aspects of underground coal mining subject to the national surface mining control and reclamation act of 1977 (public law 95-87). The secretary shall enforce this act and the provisions of the national surface mining control and reclamation act of 1977 (public law 95-87) with respect to all such aspects of underground coal mining, in the same manner as for surface mining, and is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as may be required for such enforcement.