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Training

Training is an essential part of MSHA’s mission to keep miners safe and healthy. Our goal is to help the mining industry develop high-quality training programs, and to strengthen and modernize training through collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Federal law requires that all miners receive basic and annual refresher training, and that all mine operators maintain an effective training plan. MSHA provides materials, guidance, and hands-on assistance to help miners and operators meet their training obligations and more. In the Training & Education section of our website, we have gathered many of our materials for your convenience, and will add to them over time.

Questions? Comments? Materials to share? Please contact us at mshatraining@dol.gov for assistance or to suggest improvements.

Part 48 or Part 46? Learn what it means here

Training requirements are governed by sections of the federal code - 30 CFR Part 48 and Part 46. Part 48 covers all underground mining and surface mining of coal and some metals, like gold. Part 46 covers the aggregate industry, including granite, sand, gravel, lime and cement operations. There are key differences: Part 48 trainers must be approved by MSHA, and their instructor certification is kept on file by the agency; Part 46 trainers don’t need MSHA approval but must be deemed competent persons by the mine operator. Training plans for Part 48 mines must be approved by MSHA; Part 46 training plans do not require MSHA approval as long as they meet the requirements of the rule.

Training Programs & Courses

Find out about MSHA’s wide variety of mine safety and health training programs and courses, offered both in-person and online.

Developing a Training Plan

Access resources to assist in the development of training plans for Part 46 and Part 48 mines.

Mine Rescue Training

Learn about mine rescue training requirements and mine rescue contests. Access instructional materials, view the Mine Rescue Hall of Fame, and find out more about the history of mine rescue in the U.S.

Instructor Materials

Instructor materials and reference guides for MSHA approved instructors and competent persons.

Training & Education FAQs

Our Training & Education FAQs page is intended to help you find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from trainers, miners, mine operators and contractors. If you still have questions after reviewing the list of FAQs, please feel free to contact MSHA at mshatraining@dol.gov and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Quarterly Training Calls and Stakeholder Meetings

Access the materials used in MSHA’s quarterly training conference calls or stakeholder meetings as well as audio recordings of the events (when available).

State Grant Recipients

Listed are the states participating in the MSHA grants program with links to each state program Summary. Also program officials and contact persons are listed with phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants

This competitive grant program provides funding for education and training programs to better identify, avoid, and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around mines.  Grantees will use these funds to establish and implement education and training programs or to create training materials and programs on MSHA-identified safety priorities.