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.
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
2026-15717, 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."
2026-15325, Black Lung Benefits Act: Authorization of Self-Insurers
The Department is proposing revisions to regulations under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA or the Act) governing authorization of self-insurers. These rules will determine the process for coal mine operators to apply for authorization to self-insure, the requirements operators must meet to qualify to self-insure, the amount of security self-insured operators must provide, and the types of security accepted for operators to self-insure.
2026-14917, Electronic Disclosure by Group Health Plans Under ERISA
Group health plans can soon share important info online instead of paper, making it easier and cheaper for everyone. If this rule passes, plan administrators must notify members about electronic disclosures but still offer paper copies if requested. This change affects anyone in group health plans under ERISA and aims to save time and money starting after the rule is finalized.
2026-11140, Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations
Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.
2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09580, Emerging Technology Technical Advisory Committee
The Emerging Technology Technical Advisory Committee (ETTAC) will meet on June 2, 2026, to help the Department of Commerce update rules about exporting new tech. The meeting is mostly closed to the public and happens in person in Washington, DC. This affects tech companies and experts who want to shape export controls, with important deadlines to request special accommodations or virtual participation.
Next: 2026-09582, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; The American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS)
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep running the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), which help gather important info about millions of households and group living places. They’re making some updates to the forms and methods but keeping the same big picture. This affects over 3.7 million people and invites the public to comment before final approval, with no major cost changes expected.