Opportunity
Federal Register #MSHA-2026-0199
Petition to Modify Mine Safety Standards for Komatsu and Fletcher Equipment at West Elk Mine, Colorado
Buyer
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Posted
April 03, 2026
Respond By
May 04, 2026
Identifier
MSHA-2026-0199
This notice details a regulatory petition submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regarding mine safety standards at the West Elk Mine in Colorado. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Komatsu (Shuttle Cars Model 10SC32) - Fletcher (Mobile Roof Bolters) - Products/Equipment Referenced: - Komatsu Shuttle Cars Model 10SC32 - Mobile Roof Bolters (Fletcher) - Trailing cables: - No. 2 AWG GGC trailing cable (up to 1,100 feet, 995 volts AC) - No. 2 AWG SHDGC trailing cable (up to 1,100 feet, 995 volts AC) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks modification of 30 CFR 75.503 to allow longer trailing cables for high-voltage equipment - Safety measures include: - Calibrated circuit breakers set to trip at 800 amps - Permanent warning labels on equipment - Regular cable inspections and maintenance - The petition asserts these alternative methods will provide equal or greater miner protection compared to current standards - No procurement of products or services is requested; this is a regulatory modification request - Place of Performance: - West Elk Mine, Gunnison County, Colorado
Description
This notice summarizes a petition submitted by Mountain Coal Company, LLC to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting modifications to existing mandatory safety standards related to the use of trailing cables supplying 995 volts AC to Komatsu Shuttle Cars and mobile roof bolters at the West Elk Mine in Colorado. The petition seeks to allow the use of up to 1,100 feet of specific types of trailing cables with certain safety conditions, including calibrated circuit breakers and inspection requirements, asserting that the alternative methods provide no less protection than current standards. Comments on the petition must be received by May 4, 2026.