N.J. Ups Mine Safety Violation Fines

Fines for violating New Jersey mine safety laws will increase under legislation signed into law by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

State mine safety fines have ranged from $25 to $500. The new law increases them to up to $2,500 for the first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense and up to $10,000 for a third and any subsequent offense.

The law also imposes a fine of up to $25,000 for any violation that results in serious bodily injury.

According to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the state has about 200 working mines and 400 abandoned mines.

According to the Office of Legislative Services, the state collected $1,500 in mine safety fines in 2005 and $2,000 in 2006.