US Sets New Limits on Miners’ Exposure to Toxic Silica Dust (1)

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration released Tuesday a much-anticipated final rule to reduce miners’ exposure to silica dust, a health hazard known to damage lungs.

The rule will cover roughly 289,000 employees at some 12,600 mines, such as underground coal mines operated by companies like Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Resources Inc. It will also apply to surface mineral mines including copper pits owned by Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and Newmont Corp. gold mines.

Coal mine operators will have one year to comply with the standard’s requirements while companies operating other types of mines will have two years, according to ...