(a) Any independent contractor may obtain a permanent MSHA identification number. To obtain an identification number, an independent contractor shall submit to the District Manager in writing the following information:

(1) The trade name and business address of the independent contractor;

(2) An address of record for service of documents;

(3) A telephone number at which the independent contractor can be contacted during regular business hours; and

(4) The estimated annual hours worked on mine property by the independent contractor in the previous calendar year, or in the instance of a business operating less than one full calendar year, prorated to an annual basis.