Okla. Stat. tit. 45, § 45-1a

A. The Oklahoma Mining Commission shall be the policy-

determining agency for the Department of Mines and shall determine

the broad plans and programs for the accomplishment of duties and

responsibilities vested by law in said Commission, the Chief Mine

Inspector and the Department of Mines, and may in the absence of an

appointed Chief Mine Inspector, fix the duties and responsibilities

of personnel employed by the Department including, in the absence of

an appointed Chief Mine Inspector, the Director of the Department of

Mines. It shall have the authority to delegate to its chairman, to

one or more agents or employees, such powers and duties as it may

deem proper. Each member of the Commission shall be reimbursed for

actual and necessary travel expenses necessarily incurred in the

discharge of official duties as provided in the State Travel

Reimbursement Act.

B. In addition to other powers and duties specified by law, the

Oklahoma Mining Commission shall have the power and duty to:

1. acquire by gift, devise, purchase or otherwise, absolutely

or in trust, and to hold and, unless otherwise restricted by the

terms of the gift or devise, any real property or real estate or

other interest therein as may be necessary in carrying into effect

the purpose of this act.

2. enter into contracts and to execute all instruments

necessary to fulfill its duties, respecting the protection,

preservation, maintenance and operation of such buildings and sites

as it may select.