1219-0103 Supporting Statement 2025

Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres

OMB Control Number: 1219-0103

OMB Expiration Date: 2/28/2025

Supporting Statement for

Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

This information collection request (ICR) seeks to extend, without change, a currently approved information collection.

OMB Control Number: 1219-0103

Information Collection Request Title: Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres

Type of OMB Review: Extension

Authority:

Part 57 - Safety and Health Standards—Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

Subpart T - Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines

30 CFR 57.22003 - Mine category or subcategory.

30 CFR 57.22004 - Category placement or change in placement.

30 CFR 57.22229 - Weekly testing (I-A, III, and V-A mines).

30 CFR 57.22230 - Weekly testing (II-A mines).

30 CFR 57.22231 - Actions at 0.25 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines)

30 CFR 57.22239 - Actions at 2.0 percent methane (IV mines)

Collection Instrument(s): None

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses or employ statistical methods” is checked "Yes", Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

A. Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and of each regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811(a), authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal, metal, and nonmetal mines.

In order to fulfill the statutory mandates to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires the collection of information associated with Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres. The information collection addressed by this notice is intended to ensure that all underground mines, and the surface mills of Subcategory I-C mines (gilsonite), protect miners against the hazards of methane and dusts containing volatile matter.

Methane is a flammable gas found in underground mines in the United States. Although methane is often associated with underground coal mines, it also occurs in some metal and nonmetal (MNM) mines. Under 30 CFR 57.22003, underground MNM mines are categorized according to the potential to liberate methane. Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, and it tends to rise to the roof of a mine because it is lighter than air. Although methane itself is nontoxic, its presence reduces the oxygen content by dilution when mixed with air and, consequently, can act as an asphyxiant when present in large quantities.

Methane may enter the mining environment from a variety of sources including fractures, faults, or shear zones overlying or underlying the strata that surround the ore body, or from the ore body itself. It may occur as an occluded gas within the ore body. Methane mixed with air is explosive in the range of 5 to 15 percent, provided that 12 percent or more oxygen is present at room temperature. The presence of dust containing volatile matter in the mine atmosphere may further elevate the explosive potential of methane in a mine. Section 103(i) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(i), requires additional inspections to be conducted at mines depending on the amount of methane liberated from a mine.

1. Notifications to MSHA

Under 30 CFR 57.22004(c), mine operators of underground MNM mines must notify MSHA as soon as possible if any of the following events occur: (a) there is an outburst that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a blowout that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d) air sample results indicate 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere of a I-B, I-C, II-B, V-B, or Category VI mine.

Under 30 CFR 57.22231 and 57.22239, mine operators must notify MSHA immediately if methane reaches 2.0 percent in a Category IV mine or if methane reaches 0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere of a Subcategory I-B, II-B, V-B, or VI mine as defined in section 57.22003. Under 30 CFR 57.22231, underground MNM mine operators are required to make changes to improve ventilation if methane reaches 0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere. Under 30 CFR 57.22239, if methane reaches 2.0 percent in the mine atmosphere, mine operators are required to withdraw all persons, other than competent persons necessary to make ventilation changes, from the mine until methane is reduced to less than 0.5 percent in a Category IV mine.

Although the standards do not specify how to notify MSHA, the Agency anticipates that the notifications would be made by telephone.

2. Records of Weekly Certification

Under 30 CFR 57.22229(a) and 57.22230(a), the mine atmosphere must be tested for methane and carbon dioxide at least once every seven days by a competent person or an atmospheric monitoring system, or a combination of both. Under 30 CFR 57.22229, underground MNM mines categorized as I-A, III, and V-A mines are required to test the atmosphere for both methane and carbon dioxide. Under 30 CFR 57.22230, underground MNM mines categorized as II-A mines are required to test the atmosphere for methane. Under 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c), the person performing the tests must certify by signature and date the tests have been conducted. Certifications must be kept for at least one year and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary.

3. Informing All Affected Miners

Under 30 CFR 57.22229(c) and 57.22230(b), where examinations disclose hazardous conditions, mine operators are required to inform affected miners and take corrective actions.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

MSHA estimates that a methane event will occur once every five years that would require notification under 30 CFR 57.22004(c), 57.22231, and 57.22239. If a methane event occurs that requires notification pursuant to 30 CFR 57.22004(c), the Administrator for Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health is required to appoint a MSHA committee to investigate the occurrence. Based on the written findings of that investigation, the Administrator decides if the mine is classified in the appropriate category as specified in 30 CFR 57.22003 and 57.22004.

If a notification is made under 30 CFR 57.22231 or 57.22239, the MSHA District Manager of the district in which the mine is located decides whether the event requires any action by the Agency.

Certifications made under 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) are reviewed by MSHA inspectors during on-site inspections to verify that fan inspections and weekly tests are being conducted. Certification records are reviewed at least once each calendar quarter.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

No improved information technology has been identified that would reduce the existing burden. However, in order to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, mine operators may retain the records in whatever method they choose, which may include utilizing computer technology.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose(s) described in 2 above.

No similar information is available or submitted to MSHA. The information reported pertains to a particular methane occurrence at the mine.

5. If the collection of information has a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

The information collection provisions apply to all mine operations, both large and small. Congress intended that the Secretary enforce the law at all mining operations within the Agency’s jurisdiction regardless of size and that information collection and recordkeeping requirements be consistent with efficient and effective enforcement of the Mine Act. [See Rep. No. 95-181, 28 (1977)]. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(e), directs the Secretary not to impose an unreasonable burden on small businesses when obtaining any information under the Mine Act. MSHA considered the burden on small mines when developing the collection. Hence, MSHA believes that these information collection requirements are imposed on all mining operations and do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small business or their small entities.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

MSHA has determined that these requirements are the minimum necessary to ensure safety. Reduction of these requirements could allow unsafe conditions to develop. Section 101(a)(9) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811(a)(9), prohibits any regulatory action that would reduce the protection given miners by an existing standard.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

• Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

• Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

• Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

• Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

• In connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

• Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

• Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

This collection of information is consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years - even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d), MSHA will publish the proposed information collection requirements in the Federal Register, notifying the public that these information collection requirements are being reviewed in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and provided 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on August 15, 2024 (89 FR 66454). MSHA received no comments.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

MSHA does not provide payment or gifts to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

No assurance of confidentiality is provided to respondents.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

• Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

• If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under Item 13.

Respondents

All information related to quantities and inspection rates are estimated by MSHA’s Headquarters Enforcement Division based on field experience with different types of mining operations, sizes of mines, and the frequency of inspections dictated by statute. Mine operators provide MSHA Headquarters Enforcement Division the number of mines and employment, and from this information MSHA tracks the number of active and inactive mines and mine types throughout the United States.

Based on MSHA’s internal data, there were an annual average of 4 mines affected by this information collection for calendar years 2018 to 2023.

Wage Rates Determinations¹

MSHA used data from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates² and adjusted the rates for benefits³, wage inflation,⁴ and overhead costs.⁵ The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the cost calculations.

Table 12-1. Hourly Wage Rates

Occupation	NAICS Code	Average Wage Rate	Benefit Multiplier	Inflation Multiplier	Overhead Cost Multiplier	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
		A	B	C	D	A x B x C x D
Mine Supervisor [a]	212200 212300	$41.81	1.470	1.018	1.01	$63.19

Notes: MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average 2023Q1-2023Q4 to determine that 32.0 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.470= 1 + (0.320/(1-0.320)). The inflation multiplier is determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter data is available, 2023Q4, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2023Q2, for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, current dollar index. The inflation multiplier is 1.018 = 160.1/157.3. MSHA uses the overhead multiplier of 1.01.

[a] The Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) used for this occupation are (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047).

Hour Burden

1. Notifications to MSHA (30 CFR 57.22004(c), 57.22231, and 57.22239)

Although section 30 CFR 57.22004(c), 57.22231, and 57.22239 do not specify how the mine operator is to notify MSHA, it is anticipated that 1 underground MNM mine supervisor, with an estimated hourly salary of $63.19 will notify MSHA by a telephone call that would take 15 minutes.

Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Notifications to MSHA (30 CFR 57.22004(c), 57.22231, and 57.22239)

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Affected MNM Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Number of Responses (Records)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Notifications to MSHA (Mine Supervisor)	1	1	1	0.25	0.25	$63.19	$15.80
Subtotal (Rounded)	1		1		0.25		$16

2. Records of Weekly Certification (30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c))

MSHA estimates that there are 4 mines affected by 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) to perform weekly tests and certification. These mines use a combination of atmospheric monitoring systems and competent persons to perform the required tests. The atmospheric monitoring systems measure the mine atmosphere continuously at most testing locations. The weekly certification record is either computer generated or consists of a log containing signature and date entries by competent persons. Each weekly certification takes approximately 5 minutes and is completed by an underground MNM mine supervisor with an estimated hourly salary of $63.19. per hour.

Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Records of Weekly Certification (30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Affected MNM Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Records)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Weekly certification (Mine Supervisor)	4	52	208	0.08	17.33	$63.19	$1,095.29
Subtotal (Rounded)	4		208		17		$1,095

3. Informing Affected Miners (30 CFR 57.22229(c) and 57.22230(b))

In addition, under 30 CFR 57.22229(c) and 57.22230(b), mine operators are required to inform all affected miners when such examinations disclose hazardous conditions. Affected persons are informed by means of automatic warning devices triggered by an atmospheric monitoring system or by radio, telephone or word of mouth. Based on past experience, hazardous conditions are rarely found; however, for burden calculations, MSHA estimates one reportable event per annum at each of the 4 mines affected by the standards. Approximate time to inform affected persons is 10 minutes per occurrence. An underground MNM mine supervisor with an estimated hourly salary of $63.19. per hour would inform affected miners.

Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Informing Affected Miners (30 CFR 57.22229(c) and 57.22230(b))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Affected MNM Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Records)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Inform Affected Miners (Mine Supervisor)	4	1	4	0.17	0.67	$63.19	$42.13
Subtotal (Rounded)	4		4		1		$42

Hour Burden Summary

The annual respondent hour and cost burden in summarized in Table 12-5.

Table 12-5. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Summary Totals

Activity	Number of Respondents	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Notifications to MSHA	1	1	1	0.25	0.25	$63.19	$15.80
Records of Weekly certification	4	52	208	0.08	17.33	$63.19	$1,095.29
Informing Affected Miners	4	1	4	0.17	0.67	$63.19	$42.13
Total (Rounded)	4		213		18		$1,153

Note: The sum of respondents is not a sum of respondents from each cost category. It correspondents to the number of affected underground MNM mines.

13. Provide an estimate for the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected on the burden worksheet).

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collections services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

There are no capital or maintenance costs to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of this information. Communications would typically occur over telephone lines maintained for customary business purposes.

14. Provide estimates of annualized costs to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies may also aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

Table 14-1. Federal Hourly Wage Rates

Occupation	Occupation Code	Average Wage Rate	Benefit and Overhead Multiplier [a]	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
		A	B	A x B
GS-12 Inspector [b]	1822	$47.55	1.586	$75.41

Note: Hourly wage rates developed from Office of Personnel Management (OPM) September 2023 FedScope Employment Cube, http://www.fedscope.opm.gov/.

[a] Benefit and overhead multiplier = 1 + (MSHA personnel benefits, travel and transportation, and rental expenses divided by MSHA personnel compensation) = (1+ ((76,679+20+5,309+5,932+17,577+71) / 180,071) (FY 2024 budget submission, use FY2023 Revised Enacted Budget: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/general/budget/2024/CBJ-2024-V2-13.pdf).

[b] Data search qualifiers were: Agency = DLMS, Occupation = 1822 (Mine Safety and Health Inspection), Work Schedule = Full-Time, Salary Grade = GS-12, Measure = Average Salary. The hourly wage is the annual salary divided by 2,087. In order to include the cost of benefits and overhead, MSHA multiplied the average annual salary by a federal benefit and overhead multiplier for MSHA of 1.590. Rate equals $75.60 = ($99,228 / 2,087 x 1.590).

Federal inspection costs of weekly certification records have not been associated specifically for 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c). The review of weekly certifications is just one aspect of MSHA’s statutorily-required inspection. Complete inspections are required under section 103(a) of the Mine Act and are required four times a year for underground mines. For the 4 affected mines, MSHA estimates a total of 16 regular quarterly inspections annually.

Further, section 103(i) of the Mine Act requires MSHA to partially inspect mines liberating specified amounts of methane on five, ten or 15-day intervals, depending on the amount of methane liberated. The certifications are reviewed by Agency enforcement personnel during those required inspections. For fiscal years 2020 to 2022, a total of 920 section 103(i) spot inspections were conducted, averaging 307 inspections per year.

MSHA estimates that a typical review of weekly certifications takes five minutes per inspection by an inspector earning $75.41 per hour, including benefits and overhead. MSHA estimates a total of 323 inspections (16 under section 103(a) and 307 under section 103(i)) during which weekly certifications would be reviewed.

Table 14-2. Estimated Annual Federal Hour and Cost Burden, MSHA Inspections (30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c))

Activity	Number of Responses (Inspections)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Section 103(a) inspections	16	0.08	1.33	$75.41	$100.55
Section 103(i) inspections	307	0.08	25.58	$75.41	$1,929.24
Total (Rounded)	323		27		$2,030

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported on the burden worksheet.

Respondents: The estimated annual number of respondents decreased from 6 to 4.

Responses: The estimated annual number of responses decreased from 319 to 213 due to a decrease in the number of respondents.

Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden decreased from 28 hours to 18 hours due to a decrease in the number of responses.

Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs decreased from $1,796 to $1,153 due to a decrease in the number of responses.

Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs remained unchanged at $0.

Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours decreased from 29 to 27 due to a decrease in the number of respondents.

Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $1,791 to $2,030 due an increase in federal wages and an increase in the federal benefit and overhead multiplier.

Table 15-1. Summary of Changes

	Previous ICR	Currently Approved ICR	Difference
Number of Respondents	6	4	-2
Number of Responses	319	213	-106
Annual Time Burden	28	18	-10
Annual Burden Costs	$1,796	$1,153	-$643
Annual Other Burden Costs	$0	$0	$0
Federal Hours	29	27	-2
Federal Costs	$1,791	$2,030	$239

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

MSHA associates no forms with this information collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection.

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

This information collection does not employ statistical methods.

1 For all wage rates, including Federal wage rates, MSHA uses the relevant precision throughout the calculation to avoid compound rounding errors and rounds at the final rate value. Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final rate value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.

2 To obtain OEWS data, follow BLS’s directions in its Frequently Asked Questions: “E. How to get OEWS data. 4. What are the different ways to obtain OEWS estimates from this website?” at https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm. The average wage rate is calculated as the employment-weighted average of hourly mean wages for the occupation.

3 The benefit multiplier comes from BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation accessed by menu at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate or directly at http://download.bls.gov/pub/time.series/cm/cm.data.0.Current. Insert the data series CMU2030000405000D and CMU2030000405000P, Private Industry Total benefits for Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, which is divided by 100 to convert to a decimal value. MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average to determine what percent of total loaded wages are benefits. MSHA computes the benefit multiplier with a number of detailed calculations, but it may be approximated with the formula 1 + (benefit percentage/(1-benefit percentage)).

4 Wage inflation is the change in Series ID: CIS2020000405000I; Seasonally adjusted; Series Title: Wages and salaries for Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Index. (https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate ; Inflation Multiplier = (Current Quarter Cost Index Value / OEWS Wage Base Quarter Index Value).

5 MSHA uses an overhead rate of 1 percent. The mining environment generally involves very little overhead, especially costs associated with workers engaged in administrative or clerical tasks.

12