Electronic Detonators Direct Final Rule and Proposed Rule

On January 14, 2020, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a direct final rule to revise safety standards for explosives. This rule updates existing provisions consistent with technological advancements involving electronic detonators at metal and nonmetal mines.  MSHA is also publishing a companion proposed rule for notice and comment to provide a procedural framework to finalize the rule if significant adverse comments led MSHA to withdraw the direct final rule.  MSHA invites public comments and the comment period closes on February 13, 2020.  If it does not receive significant adverse comments during the comment period, MSHA will publish a notification in the Federal Register no later than March 16, 2020, confirming the effective date of the direct final rule.