Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Mine operators and miners can ask MSHA to change safety rules if they have a safer or equally safe way to work. Between January and June 2026, MSHA approved some of these requests, letting mines use new methods that keep workers just as safe. These changes might include new equipment or procedures, and details are available online or by contacting MSHA.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
MSHA approved alternative safety methods
Between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, MSHA granted or partially granted petitions allowing the listed mines to use alternative methods to comply with specific mandatory safety standards. Affected dockets and mines include: M-2025-048-C (Deer Run Mine, MSHA ID 11-03182), M-2025-049-C (Prairie Eagle Underground Mine, MSHA ID 11-03147), M-2025-054-C, M-2025-055-C, M-2025-056-C (Longview Mine, MSHA ID 46-09447), M-2025-004-M (Kennecott Keystone Underground, MSHA ID 42-01392), M-2025-057-C (Mountaineer Pocahontas No. 1 Mine, MSHA ID 46-09172), M-2026-001-C (Kepler No. 1 Prep Plant, MSHA ID 46-04637), and M-2026-002-C through M-2026-004-C (Glen Alum Tunnel Mine, MSHA ID 46-09375). The granted changes affect specific CFR provisions such as 30 CFR 18.35(a)(5)(i), 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6), 30 CFR 75.500(d), 30 CFR 75.507-1(a), 30 CFR 75.1002(a), 30 CFR 57.11052, 30 CFR 75.312(c), and 30 CFR 77.214(a).
Grants can include required conditions
MSHA may grant a petition for modification only on the condition that the mine operator complies with any other requirements noted in the final decision. Some of the petitions granted between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, were issued with such conditions that the operator must follow as part of the grant.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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