How is a person deemed qualified as a Surface Foreman?

A person is deemed qualified as a Surface Foreman primarily through certification from the Board of Coal Mining Examiners. This certification process ensures that the individual has met specific educational and practical requirements deemed essential for the role, demonstrating their knowledge of safety regulations, operational practices, and management skills necessary to supervise mining operations effectively.

While years of experience, hiring by a mining company, and completing a training course can contribute to a person's qualifications and overall competency, they do not necessarily provide the formal recognition or assurance of capability that certification does. Certification establishes a standardized measure of proficiency that is recognized in the industry, giving employers confidence in the foreman’s abilities to maintain safety and operational efficiency on site.