Washington (Platts)--11Feb2008

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration estimates it will cost the
mining industry almost $4.8 million annually--up from $3.1 million estimated
in 2007--to comply with the final mine rescue team rule.
Under the rule, small mine operators with fewer than 20 employees--about
220 mines--can expect to pay $5,200 per mine; mine operators with 20-500
employees--about 420 mines--$8,200 per mine; and companies with more than 500
employees--13--will pay $13,400 per mine/year. All cost estimates are in 2006
dollars.
Currently, there are 145 mine rescue teams, but under this rule, 68 mine
rescue teams will be added to cover the 653 mines that MSHA lists.
Some 28 mine rescue stations will be added to the 92 stations currently
serving underground coal mines, and five mine rescue stations will be
relocated.
By February 9, 2009, two certified rescue teams must be at the mine, each
having had 96 hours of annual training instead of the originally proposed 40
hours and participated in two local mine rescue contests.
The new rule not only specifies the number of teams, but also lists the
equipment required in the stations. Each station must contain two-hour
capacity self-contained breathing devices, portable communication systems,
spare parts and tools, gas detectors, oxygen pumps and flame-safety lamps.
Under the rule, if rescue equipment is not readily available at the
station, the mine operator must have a purchase order proving the equipment is
on back order.
The rule sets specific deadlines for compliance. By May 8, operators have
to send their MSHA district manager a description of their mine rescue
coverage either through a team located at the mine, a composite, contract or
state-sponsored team.
By August 8, rescue stations must be located no more than 1 hour ground
travel time from the mine. By November 10, all mine rescue teams must be
certified. To obtain certification, each member has to complete a 20-hour
course led by MSHA personnel on how to operate breathing devices, use certain
tools and other on-the-job training.
The final standards for underground coal mine rescue teams apply to 653
mines, covering 42,597 miners and 8,250 contractors, according to MSHA's
notice in the Federal Register. The rule complies with Section 4 of the Miner
Act signed by President Bush in 2006.
In early January, the House approved the S-Miner Act, H.R. 2768, by a
vote of 214-199. Representative George Miller, California-Democrat and
chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, developed the bill as an
enhancement to the Miner Act.
The bill now awaits the outcome of its Senate companion bill, the Miner
Health and Safety Enhancement Act (S. 1655) introduced by Senator Edward
Kennedy, Democrat-Massachusetts, and chairman of the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor and Pensions. The Senate is expected to address the measure
this session.