# W. Va. Code § 22A-4-1: Definitions

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S1

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 22A-4-1
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 22A / Article 4 / Section 1

## Text

Unless the context in which used clearly requires a different meaning as used in this article:

(a) "Open-pit mine" means an excavation worked from the surface and open to daylight.

(b) "Underground mine" means subterranean workings for the purpose of obtaining a desired material or materials.

(c) "Sand" means waterworn sandstone fragments transported and deposited by water.

(d) "Gravel" means an occurrence of waterworn pebbles.

(e) "Sandstone" means a compacted or cemented sediment composed chiefly of quartz grains.

(f) "Limestone" means a sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcium carbonate.

(g) "Clay" means a natural material of mostly small fragments of hydrous aluminum silicates and possessing plastic properties.

(h) "Shale" means a laminated sedimentary rock composed chiefly of small particles of a clay grade.

(i) "Iron ore" means a mineral or minerals, and gangue which when treated will yield iron at a profit.

(j) "Manganese ore" means a metalliferous mineral which when treated will yield manganese at a profit.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-1 §22A-4-1. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-2 §22A-4-2. Applicability of mining laws.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-3 §22A-4-3. Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-4 §22A-4-4. Monthly report by operator.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-5 §22A-4-5. Inspectors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 22A-4-6 §22A-4-6. Penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S6.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C22A_A4_S1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.