Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will hold a public meeting to gather information on issues and options relevant to miners' escape and refuge. This meeting will supplement the information already received in response to the Agency's Request for Information on Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines. This meeting provides coal mine operators, coal miners, manufacturers, academia and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to provide information concerning two critical issues: Impediments to the use of built-in- place refuges and enhanced two-way voice communication when using escape breathing devices. This meeting also invites stakeholders to provide input on the current state of refuges in use and recent research and new technology that may lead to the development of a new generation of refuges. MSHA also is reopening the record for public comment.