With a number of mine catastrophes in the press during the recent year, New Jersey has taken the proactive step of increasing fines for violations of mine safety laws. Fines for violations had previously been set between $25 and $500. The new laws see a substantial jump of $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense, and up to $10,000 for a third offense. In addition, mine owners can be fined up to $25,000 for violations that result in injury to workers. There are currently 200 operating mines in the state.