(a) In every surface mine, regulated under the provisions of article three or four, chapter twenty-two of this code, where five or more persons are employed in a period of twenty-four hours, the operator shall employ at least one person certified in accordance with the provisions of article seven of this chapter as a mine foreman. Each applicant for certification as a mine foreman shall, at the time of issuance of a certificate of competency:

1. (1) Be a resident or employed in a mine in this state;
2. (2) have had at least three years' experience in surface mining, which shall include at least eighteen months' experience on or at a working section of a surface mine, or be a graduate of the school of mines at West Virginia University or of another accredited mining engineering school and have had at least two years' practical experience in a surface mine, which shall include at least eighteen months' experience on or at a working section of a surface mine; and (3) have demonstrated knowledge of mine safety, first aid, safety appliances, emergency procedures relative to all equipment, state and federal mining laws and regulations and other subjects, by completing such training, education and examinations as may be required under article seven of this chapter.