The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Mine Safety and Health Administration has awarded more than $10.5 million in grants to reduce mining accidents, injuries, and illnesses by supporting training and education programs.
The agency is awarding these grants to support the delivery of federally mandated training for new and experienced miners at surface and underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines. MSHA is awarding grants in 45 states, the Navajo Nation, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership we’re investing billions of dollars into critical mining projects and resources for mining education,” said Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “Today’s grant announcement furthers the Department’s goal to expand mining across the United States to support this Administration’s goals to provide critical resources to the workers industries that continue to expand in America.”
States and territories apply for grant funding, which is then awarded to state mine inspectors’ offices, state departments of labor, and state-supported colleges and universities. Training and education programs are tailored locally to address conditions and hazards miners may experience.
“A strong and thriving America relies on a mining industry that safely produces the minerals essential to our economy,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer. “These grants will promote safe and healthful workplaces for over 300,000 miners across 47 states, territories, and tribal lands.”