SECTION 45.1-161.292.19. Certification of certain persons employed in mineral mines; powers of the Department  

A. The Department may require certification of persons who work in mineral mines and persons whose duties and responsibilities in relation to mineral mining require competency, skill or knowledge in order to perform consistently with the health and safety of persons and property. The following certifications shall be issued by the Department, and a person holding such a certification shall be authorized to perform the tasks which this chapter and Chapters 14.5 (§ 45.1-161.293 et seq.) and 14.6 (§ 45.1-161.293 et seq.) or any regulation promulgated by the Department requires be performed by such a certified person:

1. Surface foreman;

2. Surface foreman open pit;

3. Underground foreman;

4. Surface blaster;

5. Electrical repairman;

6. Underground mining blaster;

7. General mineral miner; and

8. Mine inspector.

B. Certification shall also be required for such additional tasks as the Department may require by regulation.

C. The Department shall have the power to promulgate regulations necessary or incidental to the performance of duties or execution of powers conferred under this title, which regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (§ 45.1-161.293 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

1997, c. 45.1-161.293 ; 2012, cc. 45.1-161.293 , 45.1-161.293 .