Coal

Arlington, VA – Coal mine dust samples taken after the Mine Safety and Health Administration implemented a rule to prevent deadly diseases known as “black lung” suggest that compliance is “highly achievable,” the agency announced April 23 during a hearing of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Charleston, WV – Lawmakers in West Virginia passed a bill that will revise several mining laws within the state but is drawing criticism from safety advocates.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is offering two online tools intended to help mine operators and workers review violations of safety standards.

Arlington, VA – Recent results of coal dust samples indicate that mines are complying with a final rule intended to decrease miner exposure to harmful coal dust, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has extended, for the fourth time, the comment period for its Request for Information regarding refuge alternatives in underground coal mines.

Morgantown, WV – The prevalence of a severe form of black lung disease has increased recently to levels not seen in about 40 years, new NIOSH data shows.

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.

Washington – The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is seeking public comment on a petition to ban visible nitrogen oxide clouds during blasting at surface coal mining operations.

Washington – Coal miners seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act wait hundreds of days for their cases to be heard, despite government efforts to speed up the process, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) claimed during a July 22 hearing of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released materials for its annual campaign to address roof and rib (wall) falls in underground coal mines.