The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is making $10.5 million in grant funding available to help provide mine safety training for the nation\u2019s miners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MSHA will award these grants as part of its fiscal year 2024 State Grants program to fund the delivery of federally mandated training and re-training for miners working at surface and underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe State Grants program is one way that MSHA can focus on protecting the health and safety of miners across the country,\u201d said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson. \u201cThat training needs to include educating miners about the hazards associated with silica and how they can exercise their rights to minimize their risks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
State, tribal and territorial governments are eligible recipients in the agency\u2019s State Grants Program. MSHA may fund up to 80% of the program costs under a state grant, with the recipient required to provide at least 20% of the total program costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MSHA recognizes state training programs are a key source of mine safety and health training and education. The agency encourages state programs to use these grants to make training a priority for small mining operations and underserved mines and miners, such as miners employed in shell dredging and surface stone, sand and gravel mines. The agency also emphasizes training on miners\u2019 statutory rights under the Mine Safety and Health Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grant applications must be submitted by Aug. 20, 2024, and grants will be awarded on or before Sept. 30, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n