MSHA final rule promotes innovative, advanced technologies

On Dec. 10, MSHA published a final rule that allows the use of eight voluntary consensus standards approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for electric mining equipment approvals. This final rule allows product manufacturers and designers seeking MSHA approval to follow either the ANSI-approved voluntary consensus standards or the existing MSHA-specific technical requirements. This final rule updates MSHA’s…

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Ramaco’s Brook mine deemed commercially, technically feasible

A newly released independent interim techno-economic report by Fluor has revealed that Ramaco Resources’ Brook mine in Wyoming – acquired as a coal operation but found to be prolific for rare earth elements – is both commercially and technically feasible. Ramaco is hoping to extract valuable rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals from unconventional coal and carbonaceous ore deposits…

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Newmont sells Colorado operation to SSR Mining

Newmont has agreed to sell its Cripple Creek & Victor operation in Colorado to SSR Mining for up to $275 million in cash consideration. The mine is expected to add 170,000 ounces in annual gold production to SSR’s platform. “The acquisition of the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold mine represents a rare opportunity to add a high-quality producing asset in…

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Sleipner dollies ‘significantly’ reduce exposure to whole-body vibration, per vibration measurements

According to a study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, the exposure of drivers to whole-body vibration and the resulting health risks when moving excavators can be significantly reduced by using Sleipner dollies instead of driving on the excavator’s own tracks. The vibration measurements were conducted at a Finnish mine at the end of May 2023. The aim of…

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MSHA completes October impact inspections

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections in October 2024 at 15 mines in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming and issued 286 violations. Inspections occurred at plants owned by Arcosa, Holcim and Mid-Michigan Materials, among others. The agency conducts impact inspections at mines that merit increased…

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MSHA warns about stockpile safety

MSHA reported that recent accidents highlight the risks associated with dump points and stockpiles, especially where stockpile stability and visibility are of concern. Fatalities and serious injuries have occurred when heavy equipment operators traveled or dumped material too close to a stockpile edge or worked too close to the toe of an over-steepened stockpile. MSHA recommends the following best practices…

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Peabody, RWE partner for energy on reclaimed land

Peabody Energy and renewable energy group RWE have teamed up to advance renewable energy projects, namely solar and energy storage, at reclaimed mining land in Indiana and Illinois. The partnership’s projects will have the capacity of more than 5.5 gigawatts and will have the potential energy production to power 850,000 homes. “This innovative global partnership brings together RWE’s expertise in…

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E3 picks site for lithium production facility

Calgary-headquartered E3 Lithium has secured a brownfield site in Mountain View County for its Clearwater project’s central processing facility, which will be Alberta’s and western Canada’s first lithium production campus. The site is the former Dyck Gravel Pit, and its land site is well situated for infrastructure, including accessible utilities and roadways, to support development. Both the county and E3…

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Immersive Technologies debuts simulator training in the U.S.

Nearly all of the world’s major autonomous mines have implemented Immersive Technologies’ proven autonomous haulage system, and now an undisclosed U.S. mine is set to utilize the company’s simulators and digital learning systems as it sets to fully convert to autonomy. Tailored to meet the individual needs of the mine, the package includes onsite services to help manage the training…

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