November 21, 2024 - The West Virginia Office of Miners Health Safety and Training is set to receive a large grant from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration awarded the office $524,103 to support programs that help reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by supporting programs such as safety and health courses

“For generations, West Virginia coal miners have helped keep the lights on in our state and across the entire nation,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why it’s critical that we repay them by being there for them and providing the services and support they are due. This grant will allow our state officials to partner with our miners so that they can help deliver resources needed to operate safely and in healthy conditions.”

The grant will support the delivery of federally mandated education and training for miners at surface, underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines. Along with miners employed in shell dredging or surface stone, sand and gravel-mining operations.

On November 1, the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration released a report of a Taylor County miner showing the cause of death. Their report also showed that the Taylor County incident was the 24th mining fatality reported in 2024.