Mining Firm Petitions for Alternative Safety Protocols
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Kepler seeks alternate backfill for portals
Kepler Processing Company asked MSHA to allow backfilling five abandoned mine openings at the Kepler Sewell portal area with coarse coal refuse as an alternative to 30 CFR 77.214(a). The petition proposes specific controls — including 25-foot soil/rock backstow, a 6-inch SDR 17 HDPE pipe, an underdrain, a 4-foot soil/rock barrier, and 2-foot maximum compacted lifts — and says the method will provide equal or greater protection for 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
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2026-06517 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
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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.
2026-06513 — Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
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.
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: 2026-06513 — Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
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.
Next: 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.
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