Federal Register #2026-21173

MSHA petition notice on Topcon and Nikon surveying equipment at a West Virginia mine

MSHA is reviewing petitions about surveying equipment use at Maple Eagle East Deep Mine in West Virginia. - Government agency: U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances. - Petitioner: Panther Creek Mining, LLC seeks modifications to mine safety requirements; this is a regulatory notice requesting public comments, not a solicitation to buy equipment or an award. - OEMs and equipment: Topcon 3005 LW total station (serial number 4J12333) and Nikon Nivo 5.M total station (serial number A302275). Both are battery-powered, nonpermissible surveying equipment. Quantities are not specified. - Proposed use: The equipment would be used in specified underground areas, including in or inby the last open crosscut and in return airways, as well as areas near pillar workings or longwall faces. - Notable safeguards: Proposed conditions include equipment with an IP rating of at least 66, pre-use and weekly inspections, logbook records, methane monitoring and shutdown procedures, training, ventilation-related restrictions, and limits on use during production. - Timing and value: No period of performance or contract value applies. MSHA is seeking comments on the petitions.

Description

The notice summarizes a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration by Panther Creek Mining, LLC. The petition concerns Maple Eagle East Deep Mine in Fayette County, West Virginia, and seeks to modify requirements for permissible electric equipment to allow certain battery-powered, nonpermissible surveying equipment in specified underground mine areas. The petitioner proposes operational and safety conditions for equipment use, including inspection, methane monitoring, training, and recordkeeping requirements. Comments must be received by MSHA by November 16, 2026.

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