§22A-4-5. Inspectors.

(a) The Director of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training shall divide the state into not more than two mining districts and assign one inspector to each district. Such inspector shall be a citizen of West Virginia, in good health, of good character and reputation, temperate in habits, and have a minimum of five years of practical experience in such mining operations. To qualify for appointment as such an inspector, an eligible applicant shall submit to a written and oral examination by the director and furnish such evidence of good health, character, and other facts establishing eligibility as the director may require. If the director finds after investigation and examination that an applicant: (1) Is eligible for appointment; and (2) has passed all written and oral examinations, with a grade of at least 90 percent, the director shall add such applicant's name and grade to the register of qualified eligible candidates. A candidate's name may not remain in the register for more than three years without requalifying.

(b) The director has full discretion and authority in the original appointment of all mine inspectors, including any testing and qualifications necessary for an applicant to be considered for appointment. The director shall report to the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety:

(1) Any such appointment; and

(2) Information regarding all applications and testing. The board shall have access to all applications and may be present during applicant testing.

(c) Any inspector appointed under this article shall have the same tenure accorded a mine inspector, as provided in §22A-1-12(e) of this code, and shall be paid not less than $15,000 per year. Such inspector shall also receive reimbursement for traveling expenses at the rate of not less than 15 cents for each mile actually traveled in the discharge of their duties in a privately owned vehicle. Such inspector shall also be reimbursed for any expense incurred in maintaining an office in his or her home, which office is used in the discharge of official duties: Provided, That such reimbursement may not exceed $240 per annum.