May 8, 2026 -

The mining industry within the United States is making landmark progress towards a zero-fatality future thanks to a variety of key advances in safety and health education, certification, research, and technology.

Per a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration announced that injury rates fell to an all-time low in 2025. Per MSHA, “The all-injury rate for mining as a whole was 1.74 per 200,000 hours worked in 2025, down from 1.82 last year.” Their reporting includes “all reportable injuries including fatalities, lost-time injuries, injuries involving restricted work activity, and other injuries requiring medical treatment.”

SME’s robust Health & Safety Division consists of over 400 members spanning industry, government, and academia. Overall, the division provides a forum for the exchange of technical information through the publication of papers, arrangement of meetings and programs, and the encouragement of education on any subject related to mining health and safety.

One of the division’s signature objectives supporting record low all-injury rates is the Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP) credential program, which has so far awarded nearly 200 certifications to those looking to join the industry’s fastest growing community of mine safety and health experts. The program is conducted through an instructor-led review course providing a high-level review of the CMSP Body of Knowledge, with the credential being awarded following a successful completion of the 100-question CMSP Exam.

Last December, members of our CMSP leadership team spoke with MSHA Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer and his team in Washington, DC regarding the credential in terms of how it aligns with MSHA’s goals and conveyed the success of CMSP as a critical safety initiative.

“Having an audience of notable decision makers, including Assistant Secretary Palmer, is an important component of our vision for CMSP,” said John Loff-Peterson, CMSP and current member of SME’s International Academy of Mine Safety & Health (IAMSH) Board. “The more support and recognition we can get from influential groups, the more we can grow the certification and further enhance mining safety across the industry.”

To get involved with SME’s Health & Safety Division, contact volunteer@smenet.org. To learn more about CMSP, including upcoming CMSP Review Course and Exam opportunities, visit smecmsp.org.