Any operator who proceeds to mine coal, commonly known as “anthracite”, by the strip mining method without having received a permit or without having received an amended permit as herein provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), or undergo imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months, or both. The fine shall be payable to the Commonwealth.