While mining injuries were down last year, mining deaths increased – especially in the metal and nonmetal sector, according to preliminary data released this week by the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

"Can you hear me now?" The answer was a resounding "Yes" as mine rescue personnel deep underground were able to communicate with the surface command center as new technology was put to the test April 8 during a mine rescue simulation in West Finley, Pennsylvania at the Harvey Mine, owned by Consol Energy Inc.

If it seems like we just finished talking about the FY15 budget, we did! But in Washington the federal budget has become a year-round discussion.

Poor ventilation was only one of the hazardous conditions found by Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors during a special impact inspection last month at Mill Branch Coal Corp's Osaka Mine in Wise County, Virginia.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) launched two new online tools this week to assist operators, miners, MSHA and others in tracking violations of standards commonly associated with mining deaths and frequently found by federal mine inspectors in examinations of underground coal mines.

Mine & Process Service, Inc. (MPS, Inc.) has introduced the ELIPSE Half-Mask Respirator for the mining industry. Its low profile design keeps the weight below 5 oz with filters installed, and allows for maximum visibility.

Backers of H.B. 2566, a measure which is advancing through the West Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates, say it would make the state’s mining industry more competitive.

At the West Virginia Coal Association’s 42nd Annual Mining Symposium in Charleston, West Virginia last week, Assistant Secretary of Labor Joseph A. Main highlighted strategic actions the Mine Safety and Health Administration has implemented in the past five years to better protect miners and positively affect the mining industry’s approach to safety.  

Wielding a large rotating steel drum equipped with sharp tungsten carbide teeth, a continuous mining machine scrapes coal from the mine’s seams and drops it onto conveyor belts or into shuttle cars for transport to the surface.