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Review of Mine Specialty Certifications Commences

Among other changes to WV’s mine safety laws, HB 4351 directs the Board of Miner Training Education and Certification to conduct a review of all applicable training requirements for miner specialty certifications and make recommendations to the Legislature by December 31, 2012.

The Board has partnered with the WVU Mining Extension Service to assist in its review and have jointly developed a proposal to guide this review going forward. A copy of this proposal has been forwarded to our members for review.

A major goal of this effort is to identify ways to improve the quality of state sponsored programs as well as a means or process to maintain the programs in a current state. Mine foreman, assistant mine foreman and apprentice miner programs will be given top priority.

It is envisioned that the Board and WVU will host several focus meetings to receive input and comment from the general mining community. You will be notified when these focus meetings are scheduled and encouraged to participate. If you need more information or have any questions please give WVCA Senior Vice President Chris Hamilton a call at 304.342.4153.