DOL, MSHA award $10.5M in grants to dozens nationwide

As part of its efforts to support mine safety, health training across the nation, the U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety and Health Administration have awarded grant monies totaling more than $10.5 million for the advancement of miner education to organizations in 45 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

This important step reflects the Trump administration’s broader goal of reducing regulations and, in awarding these grants, supports the delivery of federally mandated training and retraining for miners at surface, underground coal, and metal and nonmetal mines, along with miners employed in shell dredging or surface stone, sand, and gravel mining operations.

MSHA state grants are awarded in response to applications by states and territories. Funds are provided to state mine inspectors’ offices, state departments of labor and state-supported universities and colleges. Recipients tailor their training programs to address their area’s mining conditions and hazards miners may encounter.

“Restoring America’s global economic dominance starts with our hardworking miners, and it’s the Labor Department’s responsibility to help them accomplish this mission by keeping them safe on the job,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

“The Trump Administration will continue doing everything we can to protect blue-collar workers and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.”

Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling added: “We are committed to working collaboratively with both mine operators and miners to provide secure working environments. By investing more than $10 million to promote safety, we will ensure every miner returns home to their families after their shifts.”

MSHA state grants were awarded to the following:

Source: MSHA