(1)When it is intended to abandon or close a mine or discontinue a mine or working thereof for a period exceeding four months, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall give a notice in the Form and method specified by the Chief Inspector of Mines for the purpose, to the Chief Inspector of Mines, the Regional Inspector and District Magistrate stating the reasons for such abandonment or closure or discontinuance and the number of persons likely to be affected thereby, not less than thirty days before such closure or discontinuance:Provided that where the mine is abandoned or closed or discontinued before giving the notice for a period exceeding four months in an unforeseen circumstance, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall give notice forthwith.
