(1) The department may examine records of coal companies,
including contracts for the sale of coal, to determine whether the price of
coal as reported is the result of an agreement not at arm's length. The
department will, if necessary, examine operator's records as they pertain to
gross proceeds, make all adjustments required, and transmit the adjustments to
the department's agent in the county and to the operator.
(2) The
department also has the right to summon witnesses to appear and give evidence
and to produce records, books, papers, and documents relating to any matter
which the department shall have the authority to investigate and determine.
Records obtained from the operator shall be considered confidential.