Last year saw the fewest U.S. mining deaths since such data was recorded, but events so far this year suggest that 2016 will not be nearly as safe for coal miners.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently renewed an alliance whose goal is the safe use and operation of mining equipment.

Sixty-five mine rescue teams from companies in 12 states put their emergency skills to the test this week in Lexington, Ky., at the 2015 National Coal Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench and Preshift Competition.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration will open its newest mine rescue station tomorrow in Madisonville, Kentucky. The facility will serve mining operations in the Midwest in the event of a mine emergency, and joins similar emergency response stations in Beckley, West Virginia; Pittsburgh; and Price, Utah.

Haulage machinery in underground coal mines – such as shuttle cars, ram cars and scoops – would have to be equipped with technology that prevents miners from becoming struck, pinned or crushed, as per a proposed rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration appears to be readying a new policy that could significantly expand and re-interpret mine operator responsibilities in conducting workplace examinations. On July 9, 2015, MSHA briefly circulated a new program policy letter (PPL) on workplace examinations.

Mine & Process Service, Inc. (MPS, Inc.) has introduced the upgraded, ELIPSE Half-Mask Respirator for the mining industry now with grills to protect the filters. Low profile design keeps weight below 5 oz. with filters, and allows maximum visibility.