Definitions.

As used in this part:

(a) Act means the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, Pub. L. 91-173, as amended by Pub. L. 95-164;

(b) District Manager means the District Manager of the Mine Safety and Health Administration District in which the independent contractor is located;

(c) Independent contractor means any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine; and,
For more information : See MSHA's Program Policy Manual

(d) Production-operator means any owner, lessee, or other person who operates, controls or supervises a coal or other mine.