(a) A person may not continue or commence operation of any deep mine as an operator within the State without first obtaining a license from the Department.(b) The application for a license shall be made in writing on a form the Department furnishes and accompanied by a $200 fee. The application shall contain the information concerning the applicant that the Department requires. If a corporation, partnership, or association submits the application, it shall contain the information concerning officers, directors, and principal owners that the Department requires. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a license is renewable annually on application made on or before January 1 of the next succeeding year and payment of a $10 renewal fee.(c)(1) The Secretary shall investigate each application for a license or renewal.(2) The Secretary may not issue a license to or renew the license of an applicant if the Secretary finds that the applicant: (i) Failed to correct a violation of any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle;(ii) Failed to comply with any provision of this subtitle; or(iii) Forfeited any bond posted in connection with deep mining activities in any state.(3) With respect to an application of a corporation, partnership, or association, the Secretary may not issue a license to or renew the license of the applicant, if the Secretary finds that any of its officers, directors, or principal owners: (i) Failed and continues to fail to comply with any provision of this subtitle;(ii) Is or has been an officer, or principal owner of any other corporation, partnership, or association that previously failed and continues to fail to comply with any provision of this subtitle; or(iii) Forfeited any bond posted in connection with deep mining activity in any state.(4) The provisions of this subsection are not intended to expand the authority of the Secretary to adopt rules and regulations as otherwise provided by law.