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 Some mine operators in the region feel that MSHA’s safety regulations and training are often inconsistent and out of date, which impedes production.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
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