The mining industry is at a pivotal moment with the introduction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rule on respirable crystalline silica (RCS). This standard, years in the making, aligns the mining industry with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations introduced in 2016, setting a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
While aimed at protecting miners from long-term health risks like silicosis and lung cancer, it presents significant challenges for operators. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this change effectively.
Why the new rule matters
Silica dust, also known as quartz dust, is one of the most common occupational hazards in mining. Generated through activities like drilling, crushing, and cutting, silica dust can mix with other particulate matter, creating complex health risks over time.
The new MSHA rule is comprehensive and applies to nearly 12,000 mines across the US, from coal to non-metal operations, as silica is a natural contaminant in many minerals. This rule isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting the quarter-million miners who face these exposures daily.
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Challenges facing the mining industry
The transition won't be smooth. Many mines, particularly those outside the sand mining industry, are discovering unexpectedly high silica levels. Laboratory and resource bottlenecks are also already emerging, with major labs experiencing significant backlogs that are expected to worsen as compliance deadlines approach.
Tight timelines are a major hurdle, with coal mines needing to achieve full compliance by April 2025 and metal and non-metal mines (MNM) by April 2026.
Five steps to compliance
If you’re a mine operator or safety manager, the time to act is now. Exposures over the PEL must be reported to MSHA after the dates shown above, so it makes sense for operators to start early. Here’s a practical roadmap:
Step 1: Evaluate your work environment
Perform baseline exposure assessments to understand your silica exposure levels.
Use ISO-accredited labs for sample analysis.
Step 2: Implement monitoring protocols
Conduct personal breathing zone sampling for any miner who is exposed or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to silica.
Perform a second round of sampling per the rule.
Perform additional sampling, if necessary, based on the results of the previous sampling.
For larger operations, monitor at least two workers performing similar tasks in the same area over each shift.
Perform a periodic evaluation at least every six months or whenever there are any changes in production, processes, installation, or maintenance of exposure controls.
Step 3: Take corrective actions for overexposures (over the PEL)
Introduce engineering controls, such as cab enclosures, water sprays, or ventilation systems.
Use respirators via implementation of a Respiratory Protection Program consistent with the requirements of ASTM International (ASTM) F338719 Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection.
Ensure that miners wear respirators properly while corrective actions are taken to lower exposures to at or below the PEL.
For MNM mines, require respirators as a temporary measure when miners must work in concentrations of respirable crystalline silica above the PEL while engineering controls are being developed and implemented or it is necessary by nature of the work involved.
Step 4: Prepare for medical surveillance requirements
Partner with healthcare providers to establish a compliant medical monitoring program.
Step 5: Document and report
Keep detailed records of sampling, corrective actions, and evaluations.
Post sampling results for at least 31 days to ensure transparency.
Top tips for smooth compliance
Consider leveraging third-party expertise from industrial hygiene consultants who can conduct initial sampling, train your team, or manage ongoing compliance.
Refer to MSHA outreach efforts and resources.
Utilize area sampling to complement personal monitoring and guide exposure control efforts.
Most importantly, start early—procrastination could result in noncompliance, legal liabilities, and increased safety risks.
Looking ahead
The MSHA silica rule is a wake-up call for the mining industry, urging operators to prioritize safety and health. While the path to compliance may seem daunting, proactive planning and strategic investments can mitigate risks and ensure a safer future for miners.
Remember: Compliance isn’t just about meeting legal standards—it’s about safeguarding lives. Start now and build a culture of safety that protects both workers and your operation.
Watch the webinar recording to learn more about MSHA’s final silica rule. Visit BSI’s Experts Corner for more insights from our industry experts. Subscribe to our Experts Corner-2-Go LinkedIn newsletters for a roundup of the latest thought leadership content: Digital trust, EHS, supply chain.
