The commission is concerned solely with the adjudication of disputes under the Mine Act, including the determination of appropriate penalties.

The commission's administrative law judges (ALJs) decide cases at the trial level.

Review of an ALJ decision by the commission is not guaranteed but requires the affirmative vote of two Commissioners.

Most of the cases accepted for review are generated from petitions filed by parties adversely affected by an ALJ decision.

An ALJ decision that is not accepted for review becomes a final, non-precedential order of the commission.

Any member of the commission may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.