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

State Mine Inspector Terence Foreback with Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Health and Safety Joe Main

Terence was appointed as the State Mine Inspector in April of 2007 and reappointed by Governor Martinez in 2011. 

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 New Mexico, 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 environmental 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 maintaining the excellent safety record that New Mexico has demonstrated.