The department shall have the right to enter upon and inspect all bituminous coal mines and coal mining operations coming within the provisions of this act for the purpose of determining conditions of safety and for compliance with the provisions of this act and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant hereto. The department may issue such orders as are necessary to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this act. Such orders shall include, but shall not be limited to, orders modifying, suspending or revoking permits and orders requiring persons to cease operations. The right of the department to issue an order under this act is in addition to any penalty which may be imposed pursuant to this act. The department shall have the authority to order the immediate cessation of any operation that is being conducted without a permit, as required by this act, or in any case where safety regulations are being violated or in any case where the public welfare or safety calls for the immediate cessation of the operation until corrective steps have been started by the operator to the satisfaction of the department.