The Department of Labor issued a final rule to protect miners from harmful exposure to silica dust. The final rule lowered the exposure limit of silica dust for an 8-hour work day. In addition to the exposure limits, the rule required mine operators to use engineering controls to prevent miners’ overexposure, required that operators provide periodic health examinations for workers at no cost, and provided updated respiratory protection standards and practices. The rule was intended to help protect the health of mine workers, as exposure to silica dust can lead to lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease, and pulmonary disease.
The rule was set to take effect for coal mine operators on April 14, 2025, however MSHA, using its enforcement discretion, delayed the compliance deadline to August 18, 2025. Metal and nonmetal operators are expected to comply by April 8, 2026.
On April 9, 2026, MSHA extended the compliance deadline indefinitely, citing the ongoing judicial stay in the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Natl. Stone, Sand & Gravel, et al v. MSHA, et al., Docket No. 24-02661 (8th Cir. Aug 16, 2024).
Read the final rule protecting miners from silica dust exposure.