MSHA Extends Info Collection for Mine Sealing Safety
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about sealing off abandoned mine areas to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by September 25, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work. This extension won’t add extra costs but helps keep safety rules up to date for everyone involved in mining.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.
Annual paperwork and cost burden on mines
MSHA’s information collection on sealing abandoned areas covers 142 annual respondents and requires 37,871 responses per year. MSHA estimates the total annual time burden is 3,909 hours and annual recordkeeping costs of $670,609.
Daily atmosphere sampling requirement
Certified persons must sample each sampling pipe and approved sampling location at least every 24 hours and record oxygen and methane percentages. Sampling records must be retained at the mine for at least 1 year.
Gas thresholds can trigger miner withdrawals
If a sample from a sealed atmosphere (for seals under 120 psi) shows oxygen of 10 percent or greater and methane between 4.5 percent and 17 percent, the operator must take another sample and immediately notify the District Manager; if confirmed, persons must be withdrawn from the affected area. Operators may request approved exemptions in the ventilation plan.
Professional engineer certification for seal designs
Seal design applications must include engineering design information or full-scale test data and be certified by a professional engineer that the design meets current, prudent engineering practices. Applicants must notify MSHA of deficiencies and receive written approval or denial.
Training and certification retention rules
Certified persons who conduct sampling must be trained before sampling and annually thereafter, and operators must certify and retain each training certification for 2 years. Miners and senior officials who construct or repair seals must be trained before work and annually, with certifications retained for 2 years.
Timing rules for seal construction notices
Mine operators must notify the District Manager between 2 and 14 days before starting seal construction, notify in writing within 5 days after completion of a set of seals, and submit quality control results within 30 days of completion of tests.
Welding restrictions near seals
Welding, cutting, or soldering with an arc or flame is prohibited within 150 feet of a seal unless the operator requests and the District Manager approves a different location with continuous monitoring and safety procedures.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15139, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on how underground coal mines use belt entries for fresh air while installing or removing mining gear. This helps keep miners safe by making sure ventilation rules are followed. If you’re involved in coal mining, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026, with no new costs or big changes planned.
Next: 2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.