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Press Release Published: Jun 19, 2013

Oversight Subcommittee to Hold Mining Safety Field Hearing in North Carolina

WASHINGTON – Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) will hold a House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations field hearing in Bakersfield, N.C. on the role of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in regulating mining in metal/non-metal mining in Appalachia.

Each year, metal/non-metal mining, which includes metal, non-metal, stone, sand or gravel, contributes $38 billion to the U.S. economy. North Carolina has 866 active metal/non-metal mines that employ 10,230 people and generate an estimated $1 billion a year. Some mine operators in the region feel that MSHA’s safety regulations and training are often inconsistent and out of date, which impedes production.

This hearing seeks to examine how operators and regulators can work together to provide a safe and responsible regulatory structure for the mining industry.

Rep. Mark Meadows (NC-11), Rep. Phil Roe (TN- 1) and Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-9) will also be attending the hearing.

 

Hearing Details:

Friday, June 21, 2013

Field Hearing: Building a Better Partnership: Exploring the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s Regulation of Southern Appalachian Mining

Subcommittee on Government Operations, Chairman John Mica (R-FL)

9:30 a.m. in the Mitchell County Historic Courthouse at 11 North Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville, North Carolina

 

Witnesses

Marvin Lichtenfels

Deputy Administrator for Metal/Non-Metal

Mine Safety and Health Administration

 

Sam Bratton

President

North Carolina Aggregates Association

 

Jeff Stoll

Safety and Health Manager

The Quartz Corporation

 

Mack McNeely

Vice President

LBM Industries and Nantahala Talc and Limestone