Underground Retorts

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. § 813, authorizes MSHA to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Title 30 CFR 57.22401 sets forth the safety requirements for using a retort to extract oil from shale in underground metal and nonmetal I-A and I-B mines (those that operate in a combustible ore and either liberate methane or have the potential to liberate methane based on the history of the mine or the geological area in which the mine is located). At present, this applies only to underground oil shale mines. The standard requires that prior to ignition of underground retorts; mine operators must submit a written ignition operation plan to the appropriate Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) District Manager which contains site-specific safeguards and safety procedures for the underground areas of the mine which are affected by the retorts.

The latest form for Underground Retorts expires 2022-02-28 and can be found here.