1 Limiting District Managers' Discretion
Three proposed rules would remove the authority of MSHA district managers to unilaterally alter or require additions to:
- Miner training and retraining programs
- Roof control plans
- Ventilation plans
Rationale: MSHA cites concerns that the current system may violate statutory authority and the U.S. Constitution's appointments clause by granting excessive regulatory power to district managers without proper notice-and-comment procedures.
2 Modernizing Technical Standards
A wide array of mining operations and equipment are addressed, including:
Equipment and Infrastructure Updates
- Aerial tramways: Enhanced safety protocols for overhead transport systems
- Conveyor belts in underground coal mines: Removal of outdated approval requirements, streamlining compliance while maintaining safety
- Blacksmith shops at surface mines: New workplace safety standards
- Drilling equipment inspections: More rigorous inspection mandates
- Photometers and trolleys: Updated operational requirements
Environmental and Operational Changes
- Diesel emission limits: Outdated requirements for diesel equipment are being eliminated, but the current emission limit of 2.5 grams/hour of diesel particulate matter remains. This change reduces regulatory burden without compromising miner protection
- Mining of pillars: Rescinding requirements for final mining of pillars, a practice now considered unsafe and largely abandoned
- Permissible electric equipment and lamps: Removal of references to obsolete technology (e.g., flame safety lamps) to reflect current practices
3 Embracing Electronic and Safer Solutions
Electronic Hazard Communication
Proposals would allow for digital access to hazard communication information, improving transparency and ease of access for miners and operators.
Electronic Surveying Equipment
Rules would permit the use of non-permissible electronic surveying equipment in high-hazard underground locations, provided strict technical standards are met. This would eliminate the need for individual petitions for modification, reducing administrative delays and costs.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)
MSHA proposes to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in certain underground areas if they meet specific technical and operational standards. This change would codify current petition-based practices, reduce compliance costs, and bring U.S. standards in line with available technology without reducing safety.
Cost Savings: By removing the need for petitions for modification (especially for PAPRs and surveying equipment), MSHA estimates a 10-year cost savings of over $20 million for the mining industry.
4 Economic and Procedural Impact
- No Reduction in Safety: The agency emphasizes that none of the proposed changes will reduce protections for miners. Instead, the focus is on eliminating obsolete requirements and aligning standards with modern practices and technologies
- Small Business Considerations: The regulatory flexibility analysis concludes that the new rules will not have a significant economic impact on small mining entities, as compliance costs are negligible compared to industry revenues
5 Public Comment and Next Steps
- Comment Period: Stakeholders, including mine operators, labor representatives, and the public, are encouraged to submit feedback on all proposed rules via the Federal Register portal by July 31, 2025
- Implementation: Final rules will be issued after the comment period and may be revised based on stakeholder input
Why This Matters
These proposed rules represent the most significant update to U.S. mine safety regulations in decades. SIFT can help mining companies stay up-to-date on the latest regulations, streamline processing, and help ensure compliance with MSHA. Interested in using AI for the next generation of industrial excellence? Reach out.