Mining Industry Seeks Emergency Pause On Silica Rule Enforcement

A mineral mining trade group asked a court of appeals for an emergency pause on a federal rule that would require mines to cut respirable silica levels in half.

The National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association filed an emergency administrative stay motion for the US Mine Safety and Health Administration’s finalized silica rule in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The group wants to delay the April 14 compliance deadline and an expedited briefing schedule for its stay on the rule.

About 1,100 coal mines in the US would have to comply with the rule, which calls for ...