Latest Update
November 2026
2026 Silica Proposed Rule
On November 12, 2026, MSHA published a proposed rule, Respirable Crystalline Silica and Respiratory Protection, amending existing provisions in 30 CFR part 60 of the Agency’s respirable crystalline silica and respiratory protection standards applicable to both MNM mines and coal mines. Click here for more information on the proposed rule.
The comment period for the proposed rule will close on January 11, 2027. Interested parties can provide comments on any aspects of the proposed rulemaking at Regulations.gov . Written comments must be received by midnight Eastern Time on January 11, 2027. All submissions must include “RIN 1219-AC22” or “Docket No. MSHA-2026-0200.”
MSHA will hold a virtual-only public hearing that will begin on December 15, 2026, at 9:00 am Eastern Time. If necessary, the public hearing will continue on December 16, 2026. During this public hearing, stakeholders will have the opportunity to present testimony, written comments, and other documentary evidence on the proposed rule. Click here for more information on the public hearing.
** Note: MSHA continues to enforce the existing coal and MNM standards in place before the 2024 Silica Rule.
History
April 2024
2024 Silica Final Rule
On April 18, 2024, MSHA issued its final rule, Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection.
The compliance date for coal mines was scheduled to be April 14, 2025, and the compliance date for MNM mines was scheduled to be April 8, 2026.
However, these compliance dates have been delayed. Please see updates below.
April 2025
Judicial Stay
On April 11, 2025, the Eighth Circuit Court issued an order staying the 2024 Silica Rule’s compliance deadlines, before the effective dates for the conforming amendments for coal (April 14, 2025) and MNM (April 8, 2026). In accordance with the Court-ordered stay, MSHA delayed enforcement of the requirements in the 2024 Silica Rule. MSHA continues to enforce the existing coal and MNM standards in place before the 2024 Silica Rule’s changes were to take effect.
April 2026
Silica Enforcement Program Information Bulletin
On April 9, 2026, MSHA issued Program Information Bulletin (PIB) No. P26-01 , Silica Enforcement for Metal and Nonmetal and Coal Mines. This PIB informs mine operators that MSHA continues to enforce existing standards on respirable crystalline silica or quartz exposure in 30 CFR parts 56, 57, 70, 71, 72, 75, and 90.
November 2026
2026 Silica Proposed Rule
On November 12, 2026, MSHA published a proposed rule, Respirable Crystalline Silica and Respiratory Protection, amending existing provisions in 30 CFR part 60 of the Agency’s respirable crystalline silica and respiratory protection standards applicable to both MNM mines and coal mines. Click here for more information on the proposed rule.
The comment period for the proposed rule will close on January 11, 2027. Interested parties can provide comments on any aspects of the proposed rulemaking at Regulations.gov. Written comments must be received by midnight Eastern Time on January 11, 2027. All submissions must include “RIN 1219-AC22” or “Docket No. MSHA-2026-0200.”
MSHA will hold a virtual-only public hearing that will begin on December 15, 2026, at 9:00 am Eastern Time. If necessary, the public hearing will continue on December 16, 2026. During this public hearing, stakeholders will have the opportunity to present testimony, written comments, and other documentary evidence on the proposed rule. Click here for more information on the public hearing.
** Note: MSHA continues to enforce the existing coal and MNM standards in place before the 2024 Silica Rule.