If, in the case of any mine, there is to be an abandonment at any time after the expiration of the initial period, it shall be the duty of the operator of the mine to give notice of the proposed abandonment to SEPA at least six months before the abandonment takes effect.
A notice under subsection (1) above shall contain such information (if any) as is prescribed for the purpose, which may include information about the operator's opinion as to any consequences of the abandonment.
A person who fails to give the notice required by subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
A person shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (3) above if—
Where the operator of a mine is—
he shall not be guilty of an offence under subsection (3) above by reason of any failure to give the notice required by subsection (1) above if, as soon as is reasonably practicable (whether before or after the abandonment), he gives to SEPA notice of the abandonment or proposed abandonment, containing such information as may be prescribed.
Where a person gives notice under subsection (1), (4)(b) or (5) above, he shall publish prescribed particulars of, or relating to, the notice in one or more local newspapers circulating in the locality where the mine is situated.
Where SEPA—
it shall be the duty of SEPA to inform the local authority in whose area that land is situated of the abandonment or proposed abandonment.
In this section—
"the initial period" means the period of six months beginning with the day on which subsection (1) above comes into force;
"local authority" means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.