MSHA Approves Mine Safety Modifications from Last Year
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
Mine operators and miner reps asked MSHA to approve new ways to keep mines safe between July and December 2025. MSHA reviewed these requests and said yes to some, as long as safety stays top-notch or improves. These changes might affect how mines work but won’t cut corners on safety, and you can check the full details online or in person.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Compressed-Air Alternative Approved at 3M Corona
If you operate or work at the 3M Corona Plant (MSHA ID 04-00191) in Riverside County, California, MSHA granted a petition that allows an alternative method to comply with 30 CFR 56.13020 (Use of compressed air). This decision is part of petitions MSHA granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, provided the alternative guarantees no less protection for miners.
Electric-Equipment Modifications Approved in IL and WV
MSHA granted petitions allowing alternative methods related to permissible electric equipment and installation of electric equipment (30 CFR 75.500(d), 75.507-1(a), 75.1002(a)) at several mines in Illinois (Williamson, Franklin, Montgomery Counties) and at Leer South Mine in Barbour County, West Virginia. These grants are listed as final actions covering petitions decided between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and are conditioned on ensuring no less protection for affected miners.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06519 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Mountain Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their West Elk Mine. They’re asking to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well as the current rules. If approved, this could save time and money without risking anyone’s safety. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this petition.
2026-06516 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Kepler Processing Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition could affect miners at Kepler’s site and might change how safety checks are done, but won’t cut corners on protection. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected from this change.
2026-06512 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel Mine. They’re asking to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well or better. If approved, this could affect how safety checks are done and might save the company some time or money. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this idea.
2026-06517 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel mine. They say their new plan will keep miners just as safe but might be easier or better to follow. If you have thoughts, speak up by May 4, 2026—this could affect how safety rules are applied and might save time or money.
2026-06518 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Marfork Coal Company asked to change some mine safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel mine. They want to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well but might be easier or cheaper. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.
2026-06511 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Knight Hawk Coal, LLC wants to change some safety rules for their mine, promising to keep miners just as safe with a new method. This petition affects miners at Knight Hawk’s operations and asks for approval before May 4, 2026. If approved, it could change how safety is managed without extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06512 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel Mine. They’re asking to use a different way to keep miners safe that works just as well or better. If approved, this could affect how safety checks are done and might save the company some time or money. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this idea.
Next: 2026-06516 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Kepler Processing Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition could affect miners at Kepler’s site and might change how safety checks are done, but won’t cut corners on protection. Everyone has until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected from this change.
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