Mine Operators, Unions Take Stands on Toxic Dust Safety Mandate

Mining industry officials told federal regulators Thursday that the government should simplify compliance with a proposed rule limiting miners’ exposure to toxic silica dust.

But miner advocates countered that the proposed rule already grants too much power to mines, such as allowing mines to monitor their silica dust levels instead of requiring federal inspectors or independent consultants to take the measurements.

The comments came during the Mine Safety and Health Administration first public hearing in Arlington, Va., on its proposed silica exposure rule (RIN:1219-AB36). The agency released options for the rule on June 30, but hasn’t set a deadline for ...