Section 17: Functions of the Mines Environmental Compliance Department.

The Mines Inspectorate Department shall in addition to any other functions prescribed by this Act and subject to the direction of the Minister-
(a) exercise general supervision over all reconnaissance, exploration and mining operations to ensure their compliance with this Act ;
(b) supervise and enforce compliance by mineral title holders with all mine health and safety regutations prescribed under this Act and any other law in force ;
(c) prepare and render records, reports and returns as required by the Minister or as prescribed by Regulations ;
(d) take custody of mineral resources required by any Court to be forfeited to the Government;
(e) with the prior approval of the Minister, dispose of any mineral resources forfeited to the Government;
(f) carry out investigations and inspections necessary to ensure that all conditions relating to mineral titles and the requirements of this Act are complied with;
(g) discharge such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, by the Minister; and
(h) review and recommend to the Minister, programmes for controlling mining operations.