Blasting Rules Tightened for Gassy Underground Mines
Published Date: 5/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to update how underground metal and certain nonmetal mines handle explosive materials and blasting units to keep workers safe. This affects mine operators who must follow new paperwork rules and safety checks. They’re asking for public feedback now before finalizing changes, aiming to keep things safe without costing too much time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New paperwork and safety checks for certain mines
If you operate an underground metal mine or a Category III nonmetal mine that is deemed to be gassy, the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration is asking OMB to approve a new information collection about explosive materials and blasting units. That means mine operators must follow new paperwork rules and safety checks related to explosives as part of this proposed information collection.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17116, Modifications to the Regulations Implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as Amended
The U.S. Department of Labor publishes this final rule to revise its implementing regulations for the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA). These revisions will align the regulations with Executive Order 14173 and remove the VEVRAA regulations' cross-references to the Executive Order 11246 authority. Executive Order 11246 was revoked by Executive Order 14173 on January 21, 2025. This final rule also makes technical revisions to update the VEVRAA regulations' jurisdictional thresholds, which were adjusted for inflation by the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council on October 1, 2025.
2026-17115, Modifications to the Regulations Implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended
The U.S. Department of Labor is revising its implementing regulations for Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 503). The revisions align the regulations with applicable law and recent executive orders, including Executive Order 14173, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," and Executive Order 14219, "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's `Department of Government Efficiency' Deregulatory Initiative."
2026-17114, Rescission of Executive Order 11246 Implementing Regulations
On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14173, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which revoked Executive Order 11246. Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Labor publishes this final rule to rescind the implementing regulations for Executive Order 11246.
2026-16982, Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service Staffing
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) is removing the requirement that States use State merit staff to provide Wagner-Peyser Employment Service (ES) services. This final rule allows States to use the staffing model that provides the required services with the most efficient and cost-effective model for their State.
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."
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09087, International Product Change-Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreement
The Postal Service wants to add a new international shipping deal for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and First-Class Package services. This change affects businesses and customers who send packages overseas, aiming to offer better pricing and options. The update is now being reviewed and could mean smoother, possibly cheaper international shipping soon!
Next: 2025-09089, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Temporary Labor Camps Standard
The Department of Labor wants to update how they collect info about temporary labor camps to keep workers safe. This affects camp owners and workers, aiming to make sure rules are clear and paperwork isn’t a headache. They’re asking for public feedback before finalizing changes, so now’s the time to speak up!