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 to enhance miner safety and health training programs.
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Restoring America’s global economic dominance starts with our hardworking miners, and it’s the Labor Department’s responsibility to help them accomplish this mission by keeping them safe on the job." Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling added that their commitment involves "working collaboratively with both mine operators and miners to provide secure working environments."
The grants will support federally mandated training for miners working in various operations, including surface and underground coal mines, metal and nonmetal mines, shell dredging, as well as stone, sand, and gravel mining. The MSHA awards these grants based on applications from states and territories. Funds are directed towards state mine inspectors’ offices, departments of labor, universities, and colleges. Each recipient customizes its training program to address specific regional mining conditions and potential hazards.
Among the recipients are Bevill State Community College in Alabama with $244,134; University of Alaska at Fairbanks receiving $161,078; Arizona State Mine Inspector’s Office awarded $445,545; and University of Texas at Austin granted $740,282. The complete list includes numerous other institutions across the nation.
For more information about MSHA's efforts in miner safety education visit their website: Learn more about MSHA.
Information from this article can be found here.
