MSHA, Essential Minerals Association renew training alliance

The Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has renewed its alliance with the Essential Minerals Association (EMA) to continue worker education and safety training efforts at industrial mineral mines and processing facilities.

The renewed agreement, announced May 29, includes plans to publish case studies on worker injuries and illnesses, develop training and educational materials, and share guidance aimed at improving safety for mine operators and contractors.

MSHA and EMA said the partnership will also focus on safety awareness and sharing best practices across the industrial minerals sector.

The alliance is also intended to help mine operators better understand their responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

“Protecting the health and safety of miners requires consistent collaboration, clear communication, and a shared commitment to continuous improvements,” said Wayne Palmer, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health. “By renewing our alliance with the Essential Minerals Association, we are strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality training, technical assistance, and practical tools that help prevent accidents before they happen. This partnership reinforces MSHA’s long-standing mission to ensure that every miner has a safe workplace and every family has peace of mind.”

The Essential Minerals Association represents producers and processors of industrial minerals used across manufacturing, construction, agriculture, energy, and other industries.

EMA President Chris Greissing said the renewal continues a long-running partnership between industry and regulators focused on keeping workers safe.

“The minerals industry has a proud tradition of looking out for the people who work every day to produce the minerals that are essential to our daily lives. Renewing our Alliance with MSHA is a reaffirmation of that commitment,” Greissing said. “When industry and government work together on worker safety - sharing data, developing training tools, and talking openly about what works - the results speak for themselves. EMA is proud to continue this partnership and to make sure our members have every resource they need to bring their workforce home safe.”

MSHA’s Alliance Program works with organizations across the mining industry to provide safety guidance, training resources, and educational support for miners and mine operators. According to the agency, the program is designed to help build stronger workplace safety practices through cooperation between regulators and industry groups.