Mine matters

MSHA will have to be a tougher customer in the future, judging by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act). In a press conference today, Congressman George Miller of Georgia claimed that the House is ready to accept the language of the Senate bill. Congressman Miller has three amendments, which may or may not be added. They would 1.) mandate no less than a two-day supply of oxygen for trapped miners; 2.) mandate, within 15 months, communications and tracking devices to find and communicate with trapped miners; and 3.) require MSHA to regularly inspect miners’ individual oxygen devices, known as self-contained self-rescuers. Thanks to Ellen Smith of Mine Safety and Health News for following this closely. Stay tuned. Your comment?