MSHA to Withdraw Outdated Equipment Regulations Effective July 27

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will withdraw regulations governing outdated effective dates and requirements for various industry equipment and protocol effective July 27. On June 25 MSHA published multiple final rules that originated from proposals dated July 1 2025.

Executive Order Origin

The final rules followed an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump that directed agencies to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens. The rules address approval of conveyor belts in underground coal mines, blacksmith shops at surface metal and nonmetal mines, diesel emission limits for equipment in underground coal mines, and permissible flame safety lamps in underground coal mines.

Agency Rationale

According to Safety+Health Magazine, MSHA stated that removing outdated requirements that are no longer applicable will not reduce the protections afforded to miners. The agency added that the action will streamline current requirements and improve the clarity of MSHA standards.

Scope of Changes

The withdrawn items cover specific equipment approvals and emission limits previously required in coal and metal/nonmetal mining operations. According to Safety+Health Magazine the changes target only provisions tied to outdated effective dates.

The final rules were published in the Federal Register on June 25 and take effect July 27.