Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 governs the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for modification of mandatory safety standards. Any mine operato...
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY:
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 governs the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for modification of mandatory safety standards. Any mine operator or representative of miners may petition for an alternative method of complying with an existing safety standard. MSHA reviews the content of each submitted petition, assesses the equipment and system(s) proposed at the mine in question, and ultimately issues a decision on the petition. This notice includes a list of petitions for modification that were granted after MSHA's review and investigation, between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
Jessica D. Senk, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA at 202-693-9440 (voice),
petitionsformodification@dol.gov
(email), or 202-693-9441 (facsimile). These are not toll-free numbers.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
Under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, any mine operator or representative of miners may petition to use an alternative approach to comply with a mandatory safety standard. In response, the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) or his or her designee may modify the application of a mandatory safety standard to that mine if the Secretary determines that: (1) An alternative method exists that will guarantee no less protection for the miners affected than that provided by the standard; or (2) the application of the standard will result in a diminution of safety to the affected miners.
MSHA bases the final decision on the petitioner's statements, any comments and information submitted by interested persons, and a field investigation of the proposed equipment, system(s), and conditions at the mine. In some instances, MSHA may grant a petition for modification on the condition that the mine operator complies with other requirements noted in the decision. In other instances, MSHA may deny, dismiss, or revoke a petition for modification. In accordance with 30 CFR 44.5, MSHA publishes every final action granting a petition for modification.
II. Granted Petitions for Modification
On the basis of the findings of MSHA's investigation, and as designee of the Secretary, MSHA granted or partially granted the petitions for modification below. The previous
Federal Register
notice (90 FR 31683) included petitions granted through June 30, 2025. This notice includes petitions granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. The granted petitions are shown in the order that MSHA received them.
Petitioner:
Mach Mining, LLC, 16468 Liberty School Road, Marion IL 62959.
Mine:
Mach #1 Mine, MSHA ID No. 11-03141, located in Williamson County, IL.
Regulation Affected:30 CFR 75.507-1(a), Electric equipment other than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air; permissibility requirements.
Petitioner:
M-Class Mining, LLC, 11351 North Thompsonville Road, Macedonia IL 62860.
Mine:
MC#1 Mine, MSHA ID No. 11-03189, located in Franklin County, IL.
Regulation Affected:30 CFR 75.507-1(a), Electric equipment other than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air; permissibility requirements.
Petitioner:
Patton Mining, LLC, 12051 9th Avenue, Hillsboro IL 62049.
Mine:
Deer Run Mine, MSHA ID No. 11-03182, located in Montgomery, IL.
Regulation Affected:30 CFR 75.507-1(a), Electric equipment other than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air; permissibility requirements.
Petitioner:
Wolf Run Mining, LLC, 21550 Barbour County Highway, Philippi, WV 26416.
Mine:
Leer South Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-04168, located in Barbour County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected:30 CFR 75.507-1(a), Electric equipment other than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air; permissibility requirements.
Use this for formal legal and research references to the published document.
91 FR 16979
Web Citation
Suggested Web Citation
Use this when citing the archival web version of the document.
“Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification Granted in Whole or in Part,” thefederalregister.org (April 3, 2026), https://thefederalregister.org/documents/2026-06513/affirmative-decisions-on-petitions-for-modification-granted-in-whole-or-in-part.