Labor Dept Reviews Coal Mine Digging Safety Plans
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a safety plan that underground coal mine operators must submit before digging new slopes or shafts. This plan helps keep miners safe by detailing how the work will be done, what equipment will be used, and the geology involved. Comments are open until June 15, 2026, and this process ensures mining stays safe without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Slope and Shaft Plans
If you operate an underground coal mine, you must submit a slope or shaft sinking plan for approval under 30 CFR 77.1900 before commencing or extending any slope or shaft from the surface to the underground mine. The plan must be consistent with prudent engineering design and include the mine name and location, operator name and address, construction methods, whether a contractor will perform work, elevation/depth/dimensions, coalbed location/elevation, strata characteristics, proposed equipment, ventilation system, and safeguards to prevent caving.
Estimated Reporting Burden for Operators
The Department estimates this information collection will affect 20 private-sector respondents with 50 total responses per year, creating a total estimated annual time burden of 1,001 hours and total estimated annual other costs of $30. The collection is submitted to OMB under Control Number 1219-0019, and DOL requests authorization for three (3) years.
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