A. Every person commencing work in a mineral mine subsequent to January 1, 1997, shall hold a general mineral miner certificate issued by the Board of Mineral Mining Examiners or the Department. Any person who has worked in a mineral mine in Virginia prior to that date may, but shall not be required to, hold a general mineral miner certificate.
B. Each applicant for a general mineral miner certificate shall prove to the Department that he has knowledge of first aid practices and has a general working knowledge of the provisions of this chapter and Chapters 14.5 (§ 45.1-161.293 et seq.) and 14.6 (§ 45.1-161.304 et seq.) and applicable regulations pertaining to mineral mining health and safety.
1997, c. 390; 2012, cc. 803, 835.