July 22, 2024 - The Mine Safety and Health Administration is accepting applications for more than $10.5 million in state grants for safety and health training and retraining of miners.

State, tribal and territorial governments in any state where coal, metal and nonmetal mining occurs are eligible for grant funding. MSHA may provide up to 80% of program costs, with the recipient covering at least 20% of costs, an agency press release states.

“The State Grants program is one way that MSHA can focus on protecting the health and safety of miners across the country,” MSHA head Chris Williamson said in the release. “That training needs to include educating miners about the hazards associated with silica and how they can exercise their rights to minimize their risks.”

The deadline to apply is Aug. 20. The grants are set to be awarded no later than Sept. 30.