Metallurgical Mine Petitions for Alternate Safety Protocol
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
Allegheny Metallurgical, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This affects their mining operations and could change how they follow safety steps, but won’t reduce protection. Everyone has until July 31, 2026, to share their thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Allow 1,000-foot trailing cables
Allegheny Metallurgical asked MSHA to allow 995-volt portable (trailing) cables up to 1,000 feet for section equipment (continuous miners, roof bolters, shuttle cars, auxiliary fans) at the Longview Mine in Barbour County, West Virginia. The petition says the change would let the mine eliminate distribution boxes, move power centers out of escapeways, and reduce cable damage and miner exposure; comments are due by July 31, 2026.
Specific safety, inspection, and training rules
If the petition is granted, the mine must follow detailed conditions: trailing cables for section equipment must be at least No. 6 AWG; circuit breakers protecting extended cables must have instantaneous trip units calibrated to trip at no more than the smallest of (1) the setting in 30 CFR 75.601-1, (2) the machine approval documentation, or (3) 70% of the minimum phase-to-phase short circuit current at the cable end; those settings must be sealed/locked and labeled. Cables and splices must meet 30 CFR 75.603/75.604 and be visually examined at the start of each production shift, damaged cables removed, and designated miners trained before implementation; the operator must submit proposed part 48 training plan revisions within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes final.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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