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.
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