Safety Shakedown for US Mining Industry
The US mining industry can expect a bit of a shakedown as the mining regulatory agency proposes a new rule that will help to close down mines with health and safety violations faster.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration will be able to monitor and identify mines which have a pattern and history of violations and be able to enforce punitive measures against such chronic offenders with the help of the new rule.
Joseph A. Main, assistant U.S. secretary of labor for mine safety and health said that the current pattern-of-violation system was broken, and this regulation was the next critical step in reforming the enforcement program under the existing statute.
The MSHA came under considerable criticism after the Upper Big Branch coal mine had a fatal explosion in April last year. The reluctance to use full authority to regulate the mines was seen as a major contributing factor to the death of the miners.
The United Mine Workers of America also lent support to the new rule in principal. UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said that regulations are just words written on paper. To become something that is followed, something that saves lives, they have to be enforced.
Written by
Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
APA
Scanlon, Joel. (2019, March 19). Safety Shakedown for US Mining Industry. AZoMining. Retrieved on September 26, 2026 from https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=2893.
MLA
Scanlon, Joel. "Safety Shakedown for US Mining Industry". AZoMining. 26 September 2026. <https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=2893>.
Chicago
Scanlon, Joel. "Safety Shakedown for US Mining Industry". AZoMining. https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=2893. (accessed September 26, 2026).
Harvard
Scanlon, Joel. 2019. Safety Shakedown for US Mining Industry. AZoMining, viewed 26 September 2026, https://www.azomining.com/News.aspx?newsID=2893.
We're committed to providing free access to quality science. By registering and providing insight into
your preferences you're joining a community of over 1m science interested individuals and help us to
provide you with insightful content whilst keeping our service free.
or
Terms
While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena
answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses.
Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or
authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for
medical information you must always consult a medical
professional before acting on any information provided.
Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with
OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their
privacy principles.
Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential
information.
Read the full Terms & Conditions.