Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-23053
MSHA rule removes outdated underground coal mine pillar-mining requirements
Buyer
U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Posted
November 12, 2026
Identifier
2026-23053
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), within the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a final rule updating underground coal mine regulations. - Action: Removes the outdated requirement concerning final pillar mining with only one mine opening by rescinding 30 CFR 75.386 and making conforming amendments to 30 CFR 75.380(a) and 75.381(a). - Continuing safety requirement: Mine operators must still provide at least two separate and distinct escapeways from each working section. - Procurement status: This is a regulatory action, not a procurement opportunity; no products, services, OEMs, vendors, quantities, or part numbers are identified.
Description
MSHA is eliminating outdated requirements for the final mining of pillars from its regulations because this practice with one mine opening is no longer used in the mining industry due to safety concerns. The final rule removes 30 CFR 75.386 and makes conforming amendments to 30 CFR 75.380(a) and 75.381(a). Mine operators continue to be required to provide two separate and distinct escapeways from each working section. The rule is effective December 14, 2026.