8Chief Inspector of Mines

8 Chief Inspector of Mines

(1)  The regulator is to designate an inspector to be the Chief Inspector of Mines.

(1A)  [Section 8 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 39 of 2020, s. 9, Applied:27 Dec 2020] The regulator may only designate an inspector to be the Chief Inspector of Mines if the regulator is satisfied that the inspector –

(a) holds a relevant degree, or equivalent qualification, as specified in subsection (1B) ; and

(b) has knowledge, skills and experience, relevant to mining operations, to enable the inspector to exercise effectively the powers, and perform effectively the functions, of the Chief Inspector of Mines; and

(c) holds such other qualifications, or has such other knowledge, skills and experience, as may be prescribed for this section.

(1B)  [Section 8 Subsection (1B) inserted by No. 39 of 2020, s. 9, Applied:27 Dec 2020] For the purposes of subsection (1A)(a)  –

(a) a degree is a relevant degree if the degree –

(i) is a bachelor degree, with a major, or honours, in the area of mining engineering; and

(ii) has been awarded on the completion of a program accredited, in accordance with the Washington Accord, by a full signatory to the Washington Accord; or

(b) a qualification is an equivalent qualification if the regulator is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the qualification is equal to, or exceeds, the requirements of a degree referred to in paragraph (a) .

(2)  The Chief Inspector of Mines is, subject to the direction of the regulator, responsible for –

(a) the oversight and direction of inspectors assigned primarily to mines; and

(b) any other functions conferred on the Chief Inspector of Mines by this Act or the regulations.