(a) In every surface mine, regulated under the provisions of article three or four, chapter twenty-two of this code, where five or more persons are employed in a period of twenty-four hours, the operator shall employ at least one person certified in accordance with the provisions of article seven of this chapter as a mine foreman. Each applicant for certification as a mine foreman shall, at the time of issuance of a certificate of competency: (1) Be a resident or employed in a mine in this state; (2) have had at least three years' experience in surface mining, which shall include at least eighteen months' experience on or at a working section of a surface mine, or be a graduate of the school of mines at West Virginia University or of another accredited mining engineering school and have had at least two years' practical experience in a surface mine, which shall include at least eighteen months' experience on or at a working section of a surface mine; and (3) have demonstrated knowledge of mine safety, first aid, safety appliances, emergency procedures relative to all equipment, state and federal mining laws and regulations and other subjects, by completing such training, education and examinations as may be required under article seven of this chapter.

(b) In surface mines in which the operations are so extensive that the duties devolving upon the mine foreman cannot be discharged by one person, one or more assistant mine foreman may be designated. Such persons shall act under the instruction of the mine foreman who shall be responsible for their conduct in the discharge of their duties. Each assistant so designated shall be certified under the provisions of article seven of this chapter. Each applicant for certification as assistant mine foreman shall, at the time of issuance of a certificate of competency, possess all of the qualifications required of a mine foreman: Provided, That at the time of certification the person is required to have at least two years' experience in surface mining, which shall include eighteen months on or at a working section of a surface mine or be a graduate of the school of mines at West Virginia University or of another accredited mining engineering school and have had twelve months' practical experience in a surface mine, all of which shall have been on or at a working section.

(c) The director shall promulgate such rules as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.