The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the allocation of over $10.5 million in grants through its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These funds are designated for organizations across 45 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The aim is to enhance mine safety by supporting programs that provide safety and health training.

The MSHA grants will be used to deliver federally mandated training and retraining for miners working in various environments, including surface and underground coal mines, metal and nonmetal mines, as well as shell dredging or surface stone, sand, and gravel mining operations.

"Training is crucial to ensuring the protection of miners’ safety and health," stated Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson. "Every miner deserves to end their shift safe and healthy, and quality educational programs will go a long way toward reducing mining accidents, injuries, and illnesses."

The state grants from MSHA are awarded based on applications from states and territories. The funds are distributed to state departments, agencies, universities, and colleges that are supported by the state. Programs are tailored locally to address specific conditions and hazards that miners may face in different regions.

Some recipients of these grants include Bevill State Community College in Alabama with $248,182; University of Alaska at Fairbanks with $155,796; Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Office with $435,231; Colorado Department of Natural Resources with $266,239; Technical College System of Georgia with $224,367; Minnesota State Colleges & Universities with $405,690; University of Texas at Austin receiving the largest amount at $736,187; among others.

In totality, these grants sum up to an exact figure of $10,537,000 aimed at improving mine safety training nationwide.