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The ‘‘MINER Act’’

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The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, also known as the MINER Act, was signed by President George W. Bush on June 15, 2006. This legislation, the most significant mine safety legislation in 30 years, amends the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and contains a number of provisions to improve safety and health in America's mines.

This page contains links to information about the MINER Act, including the text of the Act as published by the GPO. Please check this page frequently for updates, as several provisions of the MINER Act require further action by MSHA.

Information for You
  • The MINER Act

  • A Summary


  • Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977


  • Comments Submitted on Section 2 of the Act


  • MSHA Demonstrates Protocol of Mine Escape System - The "Great Escape"


  • Program Information Bulletin (P07-03)
    Implementation of Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006: Options for Providing Post-Accident Breathable Air to Underground Coal Miners. This Program Information Bulletin should be used in conjunction with Program Policy Letter No. P06-V-10


  • Program Policy Letter (P06-V-10)
    Reissue of PPL No. P06-V-9: Implementation of Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006


  • Questions and Answers
    for Program Policy Letter No. P06-V-9 “Implementation of Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Act of 2006”


  • Program Policy Letter (P09-V-03)
    Re-Issue P06-V-11 - Family Liaison and Primary Communicator: Implementation of Section 7 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006


  • Request for Information
    for Program Policy Letter No. P06-V-9 “Implementation of Section 2 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Act of 2006”. MSHA will consider these comments in developing guidance to assist in assuring that the ERPs provide safe and reliable post-accident breathable air supplies for trapped miners. Comment period closed October 16, 2006.


  • Proposed Rule (06-7512)
    Criteria and Procedures for Proposed Assessment of Civil Penalties - The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend its civil penalty regulations. This proposed rule increases penalty amounts and implements new requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006. Comment period closed October 23, 2006.


  • Notice of Meeting (E6-22031)
    Technical Study Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining.


  • Refuge Shelter Final Rule (E8-30669)
    30 CFR Parts 7 and 75 - Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines; Final Rule

  • Program Policy Letter (P09-V-01)
    Guidance for Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)


  • Communications and Tracking Q and A
    Questions and Answers on MSHA’S Program Policy Letter (PPL) (P09-V-01) on Compliance with Post-Accident Two-Way Communications and Electronic Tracking Requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act)