30-2-201. Appointment and qualifications of inspector and deputy inspectors; terms of office; removal; bond coverage; to devote full time to duties.

(a) There is created the office of the inspector of mines within the department of workforce services. The inspector of mines shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate but is subject to the Wyoming Government Reorganization Act of 1989. His term of office is two (2) years. His office shall be located in the city of Rock Springs, Sweetwater county, Wyoming. Appointment, term and the filling of vacancies shall be under W.S. 28-12-101 through 28-12-103. His salary shall be determined under W.S. 9-3-101. He may be discharged at any time during his term by the governor as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. The inspector shall:

(i) Be a qualified elector of the state and at least thirty-five (35) years of age;

(ii) Possess the degree of a graduate engineer from an accredited school, or the equivalent thereof;

(iii) Have not less than fifteen (15) years mining experience;

(iv) Have experience in underground mining operations, and knowledge of the various problems involving the health and safety of employees in both underground and surface mining, and in the upgrading, processing, milling and beneficiation of the various minerals mined or produced within this state;

(v) Be thoroughly familiar with:

(A) Ventilation methods in mining;

(B) The nature, chemistry, detection and control of noxious, poisonous or explosive gases or emanations;

(C) The dangers incident to blasting and the prevention thereof;

(D) The application and use of electricity in mining operations;

(E) The methods of fire and explosion prevention and control and extinguishment of mine fires;

(F) The health and safety problems involved in small and large scale surface mining operations and related earth-removal or excavation;

(G) The methods of rescue and recovery work following mine disasters; and

(H) State mining laws and mining operations.

(vi) Not be an employee, owner or part owner of any mine or mining company in this state;

(vii) Possess a mine foreman's certificate.

(b) Repealed by Laws 1989, ch. 139, § 4.

(c) Subject to the Wyoming Government Reorganization Act of 1989, additional deputy inspectors of mines may be employed, one (1) of which shall be qualified for coal. A deputy inspector of mines for the inspection of mines other than coal mines shall have the same qualifications as the inspector of mines except he shall have had not less than ten (10) years rather than fifteen (15) years of mining experience. A deputy inspector for coal mines shall have the same qualifications as the inspector of mines and also have at least ten (10) years experience in underground mines in this state as part of the total mining experience required.

(d) The inspector of mines and all deputy inspectors shall obtain faithful performance and fidelity bond coverage under W.S. 9-1-102.

(e) The inspector of mines and all deputy inspectors shall devote full time to the duties of their office.