N.M. Const. art. XVII, § 2
The legislature shall enact laws requiring the proper ventilation of mines, the construction and maintenance of escapement shafts or slopes, and the adoption and use of appliances necessary to protect the health and secure the safety of employees therein. No children under the age of fourteen years shall be employed in mines.
Cross references. — For prohibition of certain mining work by children under 18, see 50-6-5 NMSA 1978.
For Mining Safety Act, see 69-8-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.
See also Chapter 69, NMSA 1978 for related mining statutes.
Attempt to comply with constitutional mandate. — Laws 1912, ch. 80 (repealed), was evidently an attempt to comply with this section's mandate. Melkusch v. Victor Am. Fuel Co., 1916-NMSC-007, 21 N.M. 396, 155 P. 727.
Type of employment subject to age requirement. — It is apparent that the contemplated employment (separating mica near blasting area) is a mining operation as that term is defined in 69-4-1 NMSA 1978 (repealed), and therefore falls within prohibition of this section as to age of employment. 1958 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 58-204.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 53A Am. Jur. 2d Mines and Minerals §§ 255, 256, 257, 260 et seq.; 61 Am. Jur. 2d Plant and Job Safety - OSHA and State Laws §§ 23, 24, 131, 137, 138.
Quarries, gravel pits and the like as nuisances, 47 A.L.R.2d 490.
Prohibiting or regulating removal or exploitation of oil and gas, minerals, soil or other natural products within municipal limits, 10 A.L.R.3d 1226.
30 C.J.S. Employers' Liability §§ 69, 70; 58 C.J.S. Mines and Minerals § 229.