Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines [12/26/96]

MSHA - Federal Register Documents: INFORMATION REQUESTS

[Federal Register: December 26, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 249)]
[Notices]
[Page 68062-68063]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed.

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed new/revision/extension/ reinstatement of the information collection related to the Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the Addressee section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 24, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to psilvey, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be reached at (703) 235-1910 (voice) or (703) 235-5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
George M. Fesak, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203- 1984. Mr. Fesak can be reached at Fesak.George@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Under 30 CFR Secs. 56.1000 and 57.1000, operators of metal and nonmental mines must notify the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) when the operation of a mine will commence or when a mine is closed. Openings and closings of mines are dictated by the economic strength of the commodity mined, and by weather conditions which prevail at the mine site during various seasons.

MSHA must be aware of openings and closing so that its resources can be used efficiently in achieving the requirements of the Mine Act.

II. Current Actions

Section 103(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. Sec. 813, requires that each underground mine be inspected in its entirety at lease four times a year, and each surface mine at least two times per year. Mines which operate only during warmer weather must be scheduled for inspection during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Mines are sometimes located a great distance from MSHA field offices and the notification required by this standard precludes wasted time and trips.

Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Notification of Commencement of Operations and Closing of Mines.
OMB Number: 1219-0092.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 56.1000 and 57.1000.
Total Respondents: 2,300.
Frequency: On occasion.
Total Responses: 2,070.
Average Time per Response: .125 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 259 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Cost: $1,438.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: December 18, 1996.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-32791 Filed 12-24-96; 8:45 am]
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