The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) notes that blasting is an essential part of many mining operations, but also carries significant risks. Every stage of the blasting process – from storage and transportation to detonation – requires strict adherence to safety practices to prevent accidents and injuries. Full story.
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MSHA issues dozer safety alert
MSHA reported that on May 22, a bulldozer fell into a void above a feeder. The loose material from the coal pile collapsed around the bulldozer, engulfing the bulldozer and trapping the miner inside the cab. The bulldozer was equipped with a “submarine kit” consisting of high-strength glass, self-contained self rescuers and two-way communication. Full story.
Read MoreMSHA reports 13th fatality of 2025
MSHA reported that on May 19, a miner at Silver Lake mine in San Bernardino County, Calif., died when the haul truck he was operating traveled through a berm and over an approximately 40-ft. highwall to the bench below. Read the full story here.
Read MoreTrump administration walks back on MSHA office closures
The Trump administration has decided to scrap plans to terminate the leases for 34 offices in the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), reported the Associated Press. Earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency had projected closing the offices would save $18 million. Full story.
Read MoreNew MSHA Information Hub: Access to Key Resources
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has launched the new MSHA Information Hub to help miners, operators, contractors and other stakeholders quickly find answers to their most frequently asked questions. Full story.
Read MoreMSHA issues safety alert in response to 10 fatalities
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that 10 miner fatalities have occurred between Jan. 3 and Mar. 5 – more than triple the number for the same period in 2024. Accidents classified as Powered Haulage remain the most common with four fatalities, followed by Machinery (two fatalities), and Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall (two fatalities). Full…
Read MoreMSHA reports seven fatalities so far in 2025
MSHA reported that on Jan. 3, a miner at Borger Pit in Hutchinson County, Texas, died when an excavated trench collapsed and engulfed him. The victim was replacing a 12-in. discharge line in the trench when the wall collapsed. Full story.
Read MorePalmer nominated to head MSHA
Wayne Palmer was nominated by President Trump to serve as assistant secretary of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) at the Department of Labor. He is the former executive vice president of the Essential Minerals Association (EMA). Full story.
Read MoreVolvo Penta, J&S partnership delivers value to miners
The Volvo Penta D5 off-road engine will power J&S Manufacturing’s entire product line, which includes an advanced portfolio of equipment for mining applications in North America. J&S, a Walden Co. is deploying Volvo Penta’s Tier 4 Final/Stage V dual-certification engines, which are designed to contribute to reduced carbon emissions during operation and support improved environmental management. The engines will be…
Read MoreMSHA issues 119 violations in December
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections in December 2024 at 13 mines in Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia, and issued 119 violations with 32 being evaluated as significant and substantial and two had unwarrantable failure findings. Full story.
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