State Mine Inspector Profile

Terence Foreback:
Zero accidents at mine sites is not only possible,
it is the only acceptable goal.

State Mine Inspector Terence Foreback with Lieutenant Governor
Diane Denish at the 2009 New Mexico Mine Health and Safety Conference

Governor Richardson appointed Terence as the State Mine Inspector in April of 2007. “Terry Foreback’s 30 years of experience in the mining industry, and in the regulation of mines, will serve the state well,” said Governor Richardson. “Giving our miners the best protections possible is the State Mine Inspector’s principal responsibility, and I know that Terry will always put the miners first.”

A third generation coal miner, Terence has known the pain of underground mining accidents and health related issues, having lost an uncle in a roof fall and having a grandfather and father struggle with black lung disease.

As a graduate mining engineer, and a professional engineer registered in both New Mexico and Colorado, Terence understands the technical issues surrounding today’s mining industry.  Just as important was time spent as a UMWA laborer working in underground coal, engineering assignments in phosphate and surface coal mines, and field assignments as a supervisor of reclamation, truck and shovel, draglines and drilling and blasting operations.

Serving the State of New Mexico since 2003, Terence worked on environment issues with the Mining Act Reclamation Program of the NM Mining and Minerals Division.

Terence believes zero accidents at mine sites is not only possible, it is the only acceptable goal.  As the State Mine Inspector he will strive to ensure cooperation between industry, labor, federal and state regulators and mining educators to continue the emphasis on mining safety and maintain the excellent safety record that New Mexico has demonstrated.