Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
07/09/2025
03/20/2025
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2028
36 Months From Approved
07/31/2025
79,167
0
43,558
740
0
420
0
0
0
Accidents involving falls of roof, face, and rib in underground mines or falls of highwall in surface mines, historically, have been among the leading causes of injuries and deaths. Prevention or control of falls of roof, face, and rib is uniquely difficult because of the variety of conditions encountered in mines that can affect the stability of various types of strata and the changing nature of the forces affecting ground stability at any given operation and time. Roof and rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib. Advancements in technology of roof and rock bolts and accessories have aided in reducing the hazards associated with falls of roof, face, and rib.
US Code:
30 USC 811
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
US Code:
30 USC 813(h)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents increased from 345 to 484 due to an increase in the number of coal mines.
Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses increased from 43,558 to 79,167 due to an increase in the number of respondents. The uptick in the number of respondents (coal and MNM mines) was due to the recovery from pandemic lows. The pandemic caused a lot of small mines to request a temporary closure status for health concerns. In 2023, many small underground mines, especially coal mines, came back online and was able to add miners to expand their production.
Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden increased from 420 to 740 hours due to an increase in the number of responses. The uptick in the number of respondents (coal and MNM mines) was due to the recovery from pandemic lows. The pandemic caused a lot of small mines to request a temporary closure status for health concerns. In 2023, many small underground mines, especially coal mines, came back online and was able to add miners to expand their production.
Annual Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $32,818 to $65,387 due to an increase in the number of responses and an increase in wages.
Annual Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden cost remained unchanged at $0.
Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours increased from 69 to 97 due to an increase in the number of coal mines.
Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $4,244 to $7,285 due to an increase in the number of coal mines and an increase in wages.
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.