mines shall allow all matter pertaining to the mapping and drilling
of oil and gas wells to be under the direct supervision of the oil
and gas well inspector, except when wells are to be drilled, or have
been drilled directly adjacent to some mining operation, or in case
any arrangement for the drilling of an oil or gas well must
necessarily be made in mutual understanding and consideration with
some mining operation, or whenever the proper protection of the coal
deposits is in question.

The oil and gas well inspector shall supervise the granting of
permits to drill or abandon a well, the filing and reprinting of
maps of oil, gas or test wells, and see that all the provisions
relating to the mapping, drilling, and abandonment of such wells are
strictly complied with. In any case where the plugging method as
outlined in section 973 cannot be applied, or if applied, would be
found ineffective in carrying out the intended protection, which the
law is meant to give, the oil and gas well inspector may designate
the method of plugging to be used, in all such cases causing the
abandonment report to show the manner in which the work was done.

The oil and gas well inspector shall designate the counties or
townships thereof which shall compose the different districts of the
respective deputy oil and gas well inspectors, or change such
districts whenever in his judgment the best interests of the service
so demands. He shall issue instructions and regulations for the
government of the deputy inspectors as will be consistent with the
powers and duties vested in them by law, and secure the proper
protection which the law intended. The oil and gas well inspector
shall give such personal assistance to the deputy inspectors as they
may need and make such personal inspection as he deems necessary