Blue Diamond's Safety Petition Parade Continues Unabated
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Blue Diamond Mining, LLC wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could mean safer or more efficient mining without extra costs or risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow specified unapproved PAPRs underground
Blue Diamond Mining asked MSHA to allow two unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800) to be taken into and used inby the last open crosscut at the Bear Branch 2 mine. If approved, miners would have these PAPRs as alternative respirator options, including for miners with facial hair or those who cannot pass a tight-fit test.
Strict training, inspection, and battery rules
The petition would let the PAPRs be used only if the operator follows many conditions: miners must be trained before use and retrained annually in accordance with 30 CFR 48 (initial and experienced miner training), units must be inspected (including a weekly qualified-person exam with records kept for one year), each unit must have a unique ID, and only specified battery packs/power units meeting UL 1642 or IEC 62133 may be used. Charging of batteries must occur in intake air outby the last open crosscut and only with manufacturer-recommended chargers; batteries must not be disassembled, immersed, exposed to water, or stored/used outside manufacturer temperature limits.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on certifying and qualifying people who operate hoists and do related tasks in mines. This helps keep miners safe by making sure only qualified folks handle this important equipment. They’re asking for public comments by November 30, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of the current process.
2026-19266, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Refuse Piles and Impoundment Structures
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about refuse piles and impoundment structures to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by November 20, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much trouble. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep safety rules clear and easy to follow for mining companies.
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02770, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could affect how safety is managed but won’t cut corners on protecting miners or add extra costs.
Next: 2025-02772, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Blue Diamond Mining wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could mean safer or more efficient mining without extra costs or risks.