Mine Mapping and Records of
Opening, Closing, and Reopening of Mines
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
10/29/2024
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2024
1,540
1,191
8,308
6,274
5,134,836
3,204,898
This information collection protects
miners by assuring that up-to-date, accurate mine maps contain the
information needed to clarify the best alternatives for action
during an emergency operation. Also, coal mine operators routinely
use maps to create safe and effective development plans. Mine maps
are schematic depictions of critical mine infrastructure, such as
water, power, transportation, ventilation, and communication
systems. Using accurate, up-to-date maps during a disaster, mine
emergency personnel can locate refuges for miners and identify
sites of explosion potential; they can know where stationary
equipment was placed, where ground was secured, and where they can
best begin a rescue operation. During a disaster, maps can be
crucial to the safety of the emergency personnel who must enter a
mine to begin a search for survivors. Mine maps may describe the
current status of an operating mine or provide crucial information
about a long-closed mine that is being reopened. Coal mine
operators use map information to develop safe and effective plans
and to help determine hazards before beginning work in areas, such
as abandoned underground mines or the worked-out and inaccessible
areas of an active underground or surface mine. Abandoned mines or
inaccessible areas of active mines may have water inundation
potentials and explosive levels of methane or lethal gases. If an
operator, unaware of the hazards, were to mine into such an area,
miners could be killed or seriously injured.
US Code:
30
USC 813(h) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of
1977
US Code: 30
USC 811 Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of
1977
Number of Respondents: The
estimated annual number of respondents decreased from 580 to 376
mining operations due to a change in how respondents were
calculated. The number of mining operations increased from 580 to
993, but only mining operations that are large enough to create
their own mine maps are deemed respondents. Number Responses: The
estimated annual number of responses increased from 1,191 to 1,540
due to an increase in the number of mining operations submitting
revisions. Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden
increased from 6,274 hours to 8,308 hours due to an increase in the
number of mining operations submitting revisions. Annual Burden
Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $286,962 to
$561,625 due to the increase in the time burden. Annual Other
Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs increased
from $3,204,898 to $5,134,836 due to an increase in the number of
mining operations submitting revisions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1219-0073 60-day FRN published 7-12-2024.pdf
1219-0073 Supporting Statement 2024.docx
Record of Mine Closures, Opening and Reopening of Mines