The Chinese translation is being made; the original is shown for now.
Published: November 11, 2026 |
MSHA has unveiled a proposed rule to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards associated with exposure to crystalline silica, also known as silica dust or quartz dust.
The proposed rule amends the 2024 Biden-era final rule by adding practical, commonsense, risk-based improvements to compliance requirements, exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, recordkeeping, and respiratory protection based on OSHA standards. The proposal retains the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica at or below 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air and action level at 25 micrograms.
Several developments after publication of the 2024 respirable crystalline silica final rule led to MSHA’s decision to develop a new proposed rule related to silica dust, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit’s stay of the compliance deadlines in the final rule. MSHA announced in an April 2026 program information bulletin that it would delay enforcement of the requirements in the 2024 final rule because of the stay, while continuing to enforce existing standards.
After publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register, MSHA will welcome public comments and announce the date for an upcoming public hearing. The hearing will be open for online participation.
Comments are due 60 days after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.
Read more about the proposed rule on respirable crystalline silica exposure HERE.
MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S miners. The agency develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines regardless of size or number of employees. MSHA also provides technical, educational and other types of assistance to mine operators. MSHA works cooperatively with industry, labor and other federal and state agencies to improve safety and health conditions for all miners in the U.S.
Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!
FREE eNews delivery service to your email twice-weekly. With a focus on lead-driven news, our news service will help you develop new business contacts on an on-going basis.
CLICK HERE to register your email address.
Copyright © 2026 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)