Registration is now open for the Florida Mine Safety Program’s 6th Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Training & Competition.

When disaster strikes, Mine Rescue teams are the ones who answer the call—trained and ready to save lives in the toughest situations. Their preparation is the difference between tragedy and survival.

This is your team’s chance to train for those moments that matter most. Join us at the 6th Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response Training & Competition and take your skills to the next level.

“Coal mining first began in what would become West Virginia in the mid-1800s. The bituminous coal mined there became the fuel of choice for industrial production across America. Demand for coal from the fields of West Virginia surged by the century’s end. By the early 1900s, coal was powering industry, railroads, and streetcars, while also heating many homes and businesses. Considering how much revenue coal mining generated and how indispensable coal had become, many assumed that the men and boys that produced it were doing well. However, the industry was disorganized, decentralized, and often ruled by boom-and-bust cycles." [..]

[...] “The culminating events of the West Virginia mine wars began in late August of 1921, when thousands of pro-union miners marched 60 miles from the town of Marmet (just outside Charleston, the capitol of West Virginia) to Mingo County where they sought to free striking miners who had been arrested after the governor declared martial law. To get to Mingo, the marchers had to cross Blair Mountain, a mountain ridge defended by the notorious anti-union sheriff of Logan County, Don Chafin, and his citizen army. The march ended in a violent clash referred to as the Battle of Blair Mountain.”

Read more on the history of the West Virginia Mine Wars on the National Park Service website by clicking here.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we close out 2024, we look ahead to 2025 with a renewed commitment to the safety of every miner. Our mission remains clear: to prevent accidents, save lives, and ensure that every miner returns home safely.

Let’s carry this momentum into the new year, building on our efforts to improve safety standards and provide life-saving training.

New Opioid Resource Guide Available for Miners

The new “Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry” provides practical tools to help mine operators, safety managers, and others implement workplace strategies that prevent opioid use and opioid use disorder among miners.

Access the guide by clicking here.

 Powered Haulage Safety - Best Practices

Massive surface mining vehicles tower over standard vehicles, making visibility a critical safety concern.

By implementing traffic controls, staying focused, and ensuring proper training, we can reduce risks and protect lives. 

Learn more here by clicking here.

MSHA Job Opportunities!

 The Mine Safety & Health Administration is seeking mine safety and health inspectors and specialists nationwide!

Explore job openings and apply today 

clicking here.

Mine Rescue Instruction Resources

 Access the latest Mine Rescue Instruction Guides from the Mine Safety and Health Administration by clicking here.

These guides support mines in meeting rescue team training requirements under 30 CFR Part 49, offering suggestions, handouts, visuals, and text materials for comprehensive training.

The Florida Mine Safety Program (FMSP) aims to educate those who partake in mining operations by assisting mining companies and mining contractors with their health and safety training. For more than 30 years, the program has operated as a federally-funded grant program under the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), whose mission is to prevent death, disease and injuries in the mining industry. This is done through a variety of training courses, conferences and informational seminars offered by FMSP. These courses highlight proper emergency evacuation plans, health and safety standards and more. FMSP diligently works to ensure that miners working in both Florida metal and nonmetal operations are aware of the health and safety standards and are effectively trained to take precautionary measures. Through a collaborative effort, FMSP and MSHA Educational Field and Small Mine Services (EFSMS) work together to reduce the frequency and severity of mining accidents and ensure a safe environment for all.

Disclosure of Federal Participation (Stevens Amendment) 

• The Florida MSHA State Grants Program informs the public that the use of Federal dollars in the Florida Mine Safety Program meets the Stevens Amendment requirement. Bid Solicitations, press releases, various instructional material purchases, training resources, video productions, websites, social media, mine rescue events, staff professional development opportunities, and all engagements have been funded in whole or in part with Federal Entitlement Dollars.  
• This Florida Mine Safety Program Bid Solicitation is fully supported by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA State Grants Program, of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $195,297.00 with 25% ($48,824.00) from non-governmental sources.  
• This material was produced under Grant Number 23R55MS000018-01-02 from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA State Grants Program, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.