Mountain Coal Wants to Streamline Mine Safety Checks
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Company may save time and money
Mountain Coal Company asked MSHA to allow different trailing cable rules at the West Elk Mine in Gunnison County, Colorado. If MSHA approves the petition, the company says this could save time and money while maintaining miner safety.
Miners see different cable and breaker rules
If the petition is granted at West Elk Mine (Gunnison County, CO), miners would work with up to 1,100 feet of No. 2 AWG trailing cable supplying 995 volts AC for Komatsu Shuttle Cars and mobile roof bolters. The petition requires circuit breakers protecting cables over 700 feet to have instantaneous trip units set to trip at 800 amps, sealed and labeled, and calls for visual examinations each production shift and removal of damaged cable.
New equipment and inspection requirements
The petition would require circuit breakers and replacement trip units to be calibrated to trip at 800 amps, sealed or locked, and labeled as suitable for No. 2 AWG cables; calibration and sealing must be done by the manufacturer or an authorized repair facility with calibrated test equipment. It also requires records of shift examinations (for mobile roof bolters), splices and repairs to follow manufacturer instructions and 30 CFR 75.603/75.604, and immediate removal of damaged cables.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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