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The "MINER Act"
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The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, also known as the MINER Act, was signed by President George W. Bush on June 15, 2006. This legislation, the most significant mine safety legislation in 30 years, amends the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and contains a number of provisions to improve safety and health in America's mines.
This page contains links to information about the MINER Act, including the text of the Act as published by the GPO, and MSHA regulations, compliance guides, and policy directives implementing the MINER Act.
The MINER Act
Fifth Anniversary of the MINER Act
Section 2 - Emergency Response
- Program Policy Letter (P10-V-1)
- Reissue of PPL No. P06-V-10: Implementation of Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006. This PPL incorporates the changes contained in the Emergency Mine Evacuation final rule (December 8, 2006), Refuge Alternatives final rule (December 31, 2008) and Post-Accident Two-way Communications and Electronic Tracking PPL (P09-V-01, January 16, 2009).
- Emergency Mine Evacuation Final Rule (06-9608)
- MSHA final rule implements Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006 and requires mine operators to increase the availability of emergency breathing devices, provide improved training on the use of the devices, improve emergency evacuation and drill training, install lifelines for emergency evacuation, and require immediate notification of MSHA in the event of an accident.
- Communications and Tracking Systems
- Program Policy Letter (P11-V-13)
- Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act).
- Communications and Tracking Q and A
- Questions and Answers on MSHA'S Program Policy Letter (PPL) (P09-V-01) on Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way
- Program Policy Letter (P11-V-13)
- Program Information Bulletin (P10-22)
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Reviews of Post-Accident Communication and Electronic Tracking Systems
- Procedure Instruction Letter (PI11-V-06)
- Guidance to MSHA inspectors regarding the inspection of post accident communications and electronic tracking systems
- Program Instruction Letter (PI10-V-19)
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Reviews of Post-Accident Communication and Electronic Tracking Systems
- Program Policy Letter (P11-V-07)
- Two-Way Communication and Electronic Tracking System: Potential Interference of RF Electromagnetic Fields with Electric Blasting Circuits.
- Program Policy Letter (P11-V-11)
- Approval of Communication and Tracking Devices Required by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act)
Section 4 - Mine Rescue Teams
- Mine Rescue Teams Final Rule (E9-14128)
- MSHA's final rule revises existing standards for mine rescue teams for underground coal mines. This final rule implements Section 4 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006 to improve overall mine rescue capability, mine emergency response time and mine rescue team effectiveness. It also calls for increased quantity and quality of mine rescue team training.
- Mine Rescue Team Equipment Final Rule (E8-21449)
- MSHA's final rule revises MSHA's existing standards for mine rescue teams and addresses equipment for mine rescue teams serving underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines. It updates the existing standards to reflect advances in mine rescue team equipment technology and improve the effectiveness of mine rescue teams in responding to mine emergencies.
Section 5 - Prompt Incident Notification
- Emergency Mine Evacuation Rule
- "One Call Does It All" - Immediately Reportable Accidents and Injuries
Section 7 - Requirement Concerning Family Liaisons
- Program Policy Letter (P09-V-03)
- Re-Issue P06-V-11 - Family Liaison and Primary Communicator: Implementation of Section 7 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006
Section 8 - Penalties
- Criteria and Procedures for Assessment of Civil Penalties Final Rule ( E9-30608 )
- MSHA's final rule on civil penalties revises the agency's existing civil penalty assessment regulations and implements the civil penalty procedures of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.
Section 10 - Sealing of Abandoned Areas
- Sealing of Abandoned Areas Final Rule (08-1152)
- MSHA's final rule addresses sealing abandoned areas in underground coal mines. The final rule includes requirements for seal strength, design, construction, maintenance and repair of seals and monitoring and control of atmospheres behind seals in order to reduce the risk of seal failure and the risk of explosions in abandoned areas of underground coal mines. It also addresses the level of overpressure for new seals.
Section 11 - Technical Study Panel
- Technical Study Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air... Final Report
- This report, which is the final product of the Technical Study Panel, contains the Panel's consensus recommendations.
- Belt Air/Belt Flammability Final Rule (E8-30639)
- MSHA's final rule implements the recommendations of the Technical Study Panel (Panel) on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Material in Underground Coal Mining. The Secretary established the Panel in accordance with Section 11 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.
Section 13 - Research Concerning Refuge Alternatives
- Refuge Shelter Final Rule (E8-30669)
- MSHA's final rule requires operators of underground coal mines to provide refuge alternatives to protect miners when a life-threatening event occurs that makes escape impossible. The rule is based on agency data and experience, recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report on refuge alternatives, research on available and developing technology, state regulations, and public comments and hearing testimony. The rule implements Section 13 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.
- Program Policy Letter P09-V-14
- 15 psi Stoppings as Structural Components for Refuge Alternatives
- Program Information Bulletin P10-21
- Breathable Air, Air-Monitoring and Harmful Gas Removal Components for Use in Refuge Alternatives Consisting of 15-psi Stoppings
- Program Policy Letter P11-V-17
- Brass Compressed Gas Cylinder Valves and Associated Fittings Used in Refuge Alternatives
- West Virginia Order to Refit Approved Underground Mine Shelters (10/14/2011)
- Alerts
Section 14 - Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants
- First awards made in September 2007
- Program has been in operation for 3 and a half years
- Funding for FY 2007 $500,000, 7 recipients
- Funding for FY 2008 $500,000, 7 recipients
- Funding for FY 2009 $500,000, 6 recipients
- Funding for FY 2010 $500,000, 6 recipients
- In FY 2010 more than 1100 Mine Emergency Response Professionals received comprehensive mine emergency preparedness and response training
- Most of the grants have been awarded for development and training for Mine Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Some important contributions have been in the following areas:
- Responsible Person Training
- Command and Control Center Training