WVCA Calls for Changes to MSHA Refuge Rule

In comments before a public meeting of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, West Virginia Coal Association Vice President Chris Hamilton called for changes to a proposed rule governing the construction of refuge chambers in the state’s underground coal mines.  Hamilton said West Virginia already has refuge chambers in 90 percent of its 280 underground mines. Changing the construction requirements could mean a great deal of additional cost to the state’s mining industry and set back implementation of the refuge chambers.

In comments before a public meeting of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, West Virginia Coal Association Vice President Chris Hamilton called for changes to a proposed rule governing the construction of refuge chambers in the state’s underground coal mines.  Hamilton said West Virginia already has refuge chambers in 90 percent of its 280 underground mines. Changing the construction requirements could mean a great deal of additional cost to the state’s mining industry and set back implementation of the refuge chambers.

Hamilton said the question is a simple one -- whether MSHA will accept the units already underground that were built to conform to state regulations. He then called upon MSHA to grandfather units placed or ordered prior to July 1, 2008 that meet West Virginia regulations.