{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/45.2-531.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/45.2-531.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/45.2-531.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/45.2-531.html"}],"law_id":73749,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73749,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-531","catch_line":" First-class mine foreman certification","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 45-7, 45-12, 45-29, 45-30, 45-31, 45-33.1, 45-68.4, 45-69, 45-73, 45-75, 45-78, 45-79, 45-81, 45-83; 1950, p. 156; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, \u00a7\u00a7 45.1-13 to 45.1-15, 45.1-21, 45.1-101.2; 1972, c. 784; 1974, c. 686; 1976, c. 598; 1977, c. 679; 1978, cc. 94, 222, 489, 729; 1982, c. 255; 1984, cc. 178, 590; 1988, c. 577; 1993, cc. 171, 442; 1994, c. 28, \u00a7 45.1-161.38; 1997, c. 274; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","full_text":"A\n\nThe operator of any coal mine where three or more persons work during any part of a 24-hour period shall employ a mine foreman. The operator shall employ as a mine foreman only a person holding a first-class mine foreman certificate. The holder of such certificate shall present the certificate, or a copy thereof, to the operator where he is employed. Such operator shall file the certificate or its copy in the office at the mine and make it available for inspection by interested persons.B\n\nThe holder of a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be authorized to act as foreman for any underground coal mine.C\n\nAn applicant for a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be at least 23 years of age and shall have had at least five years of experience in a coal mine, at least three years of which shall have been in an underground coal mine. A graduate of an approved course in mining engineering at a baccalaureate institution of higher education shall be given credit for three of the five years of practical experience required. An applicant who possesses a degree in mining technology shall be given credit for two of the five years of practical experience required. If the applicant meets the above requirements, makes 85 percent or more on each of the subjects of the written examination, and passes required map and gas examinations, he shall be entitled to a first-class mine foreman certificate. The written examination shall address, among other relevant topics, the theory and practice of coal mining; the nature and properties of noxious, poisonous, and explosive gases and methods for their detection and control; the requirements of the coal mining laws of the Commonwealth, including regulations adopted by the Department or the Board of Coal Mining Examiners; and the responsibilities and duties of a mine foreman under state law.D\n\nEach candidate for certification as a first-class mine foreman shall complete the course or courses of instruction in first aid as provided in subsection A of § 45.2-579 and pass an examination relating thereto, approved by the Board of Coal Mining Examiners.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":265208,"text":"The operator of any coal mine where three or more persons work during any part of a 24-hour period shall employ a mine foreman. The operator shall employ as a mine foreman only a person holding a first-class mine foreman certificate. The holder of such certificate shall present the certificate, or a copy thereof, to the operator where he is employed. Such operator shall file the certificate or its copy in the office at the mine and make it available for inspection by interested persons.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":265209,"text":"The holder of a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be authorized to act as foreman for any underground coal mine.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":265210,"text":"An applicant for a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be at least 23 years of age and shall have had at least five years of experience in a coal mine, at least three years of which shall have been in an underground coal mine. A graduate of an approved course in mining engineering at a baccalaureate institution of higher education shall be given credit for three of the five years of practical experience required. An applicant who possesses a degree in mining technology shall be given credit for two of the five years of practical experience required. If the applicant meets the above requirements, makes 85 percent or more on each of the subjects of the written examination, and passes required map and gas examinations, he shall be entitled to a first-class mine foreman certificate. The written examination shall address, among other relevant topics, the theory and practice of coal mining; the nature and properties of noxious, poisonous, and explosive gases and methods for their detection and control; the requirements of the coal mining laws of the Commonwealth, including regulations adopted by the Department or the Board of Coal Mining Examiners; and the responsibilities and duties of a mine foreman under state law.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":265211,"text":"Each candidate for certification as a first-class mine foreman shall complete the course or courses of instruction in first aid as provided in subsection A of § 45.2-579 and pass an examination relating thereto, approved by the Board of Coal Mining Examiners.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14865,"edition_id":1,"name":"Certification of Coal Mine Workers","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13785,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:50:28","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:50:28","permalink":{"id":222731,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14865,"identifier":"3","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3","url":"\/45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13785,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coal Mine Safety Act","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13784,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:52","permalink":{"id":222651,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13785,"identifier":"5","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5","url":"\/45.2\/II\/A\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13784,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coal Mines Generally","identifier":"A","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12985,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:52","permalink":{"id":222649,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13784,"identifier":"A","token":"45.2\/II\/A","url":"\/45.2\/II\/A\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12985,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coal Mining","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12713,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","permalink":{"id":222647,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12985,"identifier":"II","token":"45.2\/II","url":"\/45.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12713,"edition_id":1,"name":"Mines, Minerals, and Energy","identifier":"45.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":222539,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12713,"identifier":"45.2","token":"45.2","url":"\/45.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56794,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-515","catch_line":" Board of Coal Mining Examiners; purpose","url":"\/45.2-515\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-515","metadata":false},{"id":79352,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-516","catch_line":" Board membership; terms; meetings","url":"\/45.2-516\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-516","metadata":false},{"id":77123,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-517","catch_line":" Board compensation; expenses","url":"\/45.2-517\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-517","metadata":false},{"id":75249,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-518","catch_line":" Records of the Board","url":"\/45.2-518\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-518","metadata":false},{"id":64204,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-519","catch_line":" Nominations for the Board","url":"\/45.2-519\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-519","metadata":false},{"id":86474,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-520","catch_line":" Certification of certain persons employed in coal mines; powers and duties of the Board","url":"\/45.2-520\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-520","metadata":false},{"id":57025,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-521","catch_line":" Examinations required for Coal Mining Certifications","url":"\/45.2-521\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-521","metadata":false},{"id":65905,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-522","catch_line":" Performance of certain tasks by uncertified persons; penalty","url":"\/45.2-522\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-522","metadata":false},{"id":70095,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-523","catch_line":" Coal Mining Examiners' Fund","url":"\/45.2-523\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-523","metadata":false},{"id":81273,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-524","catch_line":" Examination fees","url":"\/45.2-524\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-524","metadata":false},{"id":84836,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-525","catch_line":" Replacement of lost or destroyed certificates","url":"\/45.2-525\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-525","metadata":false},{"id":83365,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-526","catch_line":" Reciprocal acceptances of other certifications","url":"\/45.2-526\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-526","metadata":false},{"id":86305,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-527","catch_line":" Continuing education requirements","url":"\/45.2-527\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-527","metadata":false},{"id":76187,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-528","catch_line":" Board action; suspend, revoke, or take other action","url":"\/45.2-528\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-528","metadata":false},{"id":86193,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-529","catch_line":" Reexamination","url":"\/45.2-529\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-529","metadata":false},{"id":80858,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-530","catch_line":" General coal miner certification","url":"\/45.2-530\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-530","metadata":false},{"id":73749,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-531","catch_line":" First-class mine foreman certification","url":"\/45.2-531\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-531","metadata":false},{"id":67791,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-532","catch_line":" Surface foreman certification","url":"\/45.2-532\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-532","metadata":false},{"id":67969,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-533","catch_line":" Chief electrician certification","url":"\/45.2-533\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-533","metadata":false},{"id":71673,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-534","catch_line":" Top person certification","url":"\/45.2-534\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-534","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":80858,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-530","catch_line":" General coal miner certification","url":"\/45.2-530\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-530","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":67791,"structure_id":14865,"section_number":"45.2-532","catch_line":" Surface foreman certification","url":"\/45.2-532\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-532","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/45.2-531\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 13 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 191; in 1966, chapter 594; in 1972, chapter 784; in 1974, chapter 686; in 1976, chapter 598; in 1977, chapter 679; in 1978, chapters 94, 222, 489, and 729; in 1982, chapter 255; in 1984, chapters 178 and 590; in 1988, chapter 577; in 1993, chapters 171 and 442; in 1994, chapter 28<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 274<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":72312,"section_number":"8.01-225","catch_line":"Persons rendering emergency care, obstetrical services exempt from liability","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-225\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84763,"section_number":"45.2-579","catch_line":" First aid training of coal miners","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-579\/"}],"permalink":{"id":222797,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73749,"identifier":"45.2-531","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-531","url":"\/45.2-531\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/45.2-531\/","token":"45.2\/II\/A\/5\/3\/45.2-531","dublin_core":{"Title":" First-class mine foreman certification","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 45.2-531","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The operator of any coal mine where three or more persons work during any part of a 24-hour period shall employ a mine foreman<\/span>. The operator shall employ as a mine foreman<\/span> only a person holding a first-class mine foreman<\/span> certificate. The holder of such certificate shall present the certificate, or a copy thereof, to the operator where he is employed. Such operator shall file the certificate or its copy in the office at the mine and make it available for inspection by interested persons. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The holder of a first-class mine foreman<\/span> certificate shall be authorized to act as foreman<\/span> for any underground coal mine. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> An applicant for a first-class mine foreman<\/span> certificate shall be at least 23 years of age and shall have had at least five years of experience in a coal mine, at least three years of which shall have been in an underground coal mine. A graduate of an approved course in mining engineering at a baccalaureate institution of higher education shall be given credit for three of the five years of practical experience required. An applicant who possesses a degree in mining technology shall be given credit for two of the five years of practical experience required. If the applicant meets the above requirements, makes 85 percent or more on each of the subjects of the written examination, and passes required map and gas examinations, he shall be entitled to a first-class mine foreman<\/span> certificate. The written examination shall address, among other relevant topics, the theory and practice of coal mining; the nature and properties of noxious, poisonous, and explosive gases and methods for their detection and control; the requirements of the coal mining laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth, including regulations adopted by the Department<\/span> or the Board of Coal Mining Examiners; and the responsibilities and duties of a mine foreman<\/span> under state law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Each candidate for certification as a first-class mine foreman<\/span> shall complete the course or courses of instruction in first aid as provided in subsection A of § 45.2-579<\/a> and pass an examination relating thereto, approved by the Board of Coal Mining Examiners. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\n FIRST-CLASS MINE FOREMAN CERTIFICATION (\u00a7 45.2-531)\n\nA. The operator of any coal mine where three or more persons work during any\npart of a 24-hour period shall employ a mine foreman. The operator shall employ\nas a mine foreman only a person holding a first-class mine foreman certificate.\nThe holder of such certificate shall present the certificate, or a copy thereof,\nto the operator where he is employed. Such operator shall file the certificate\nor its copy in the office at the mine and make it available for inspection by\ninterested persons.\n\nB. The holder of a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be authorized to\nact as foreman for any underground coal mine.\n\nC. An applicant for a first-class mine foreman certificate shall be at least 23\nyears of age and shall have had at least five years of experience in a coal\nmine, at least three years of which shall have been in an underground coal mine.\nA graduate of an approved course in mining engineering at a baccalaureate\ninstitution of higher education shall be given credit for three of the five\nyears of practical experience required. An applicant who possesses a degree in\nmining technology shall be given credit for two of the five years of practical\nexperience required. If the applicant meets the above requirements, makes 85\npercent or more on each of the subjects of the written examination, and passes\nrequired map and gas examinations, he shall be entitled to a first-class mine\nforeman certificate. The written examination shall address, among other relevant\ntopics, the theory and practice of coal mining; the nature and properties of\nnoxious, poisonous, and explosive gases and methods for their detection and\ncontrol; the requirements of the coal mining laws of the Commonwealth, including\nregulations adopted by the Department or the Board of Coal Mining Examiners; and\nthe responsibilities and duties of a mine foreman under state law.\n\nD. Each candidate for certification as a first-class mine foreman shall complete\nthe course or courses of instruction in first aid as provided in subsection A of\n§ 45.2-579 and pass an examination relating thereto, approved by the Board\nof Coal Mining Examiners.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 45-7, 45-12, 45-29, 45-30, 45-31, 45-33.1, 45-68.4,\n45-69, 45-73, 45-75, 45-78, 45-79, 45-81, 45-83; 1950, p. 156; 1954, c. 191;\n1966, c. 594, \u00a7\u00a7 45.1-13 to 45.1-15, 45.1-21, 45.1-101.2; 1972, c. 784; 1974,\nc. 686; 1976, c. 598; 1977, c. 679; 1978, cc. 94, 222, 489, 729; 1982, c. 255;\n1984, cc. 178, 590; 1988, c. 577; 1993, cc. 171, 442; 1994, c. 28, \u00a7\n45.1-161.38; 1997, c. 274; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}