W. Va. Code § 22A-8-1: Certificate of competency and qualification or permit of apprenticeship required of all surface and underground miners.

Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall work or be employed for the purpose of performing normal duties as a surface or underground miner in any mine in this state unless the person holds at the time he or she performs such duties a certificate of competency and qualification or a permit of apprenticeship issued under the provisions of this article.