MSHA Withdraws Outdated Equipment and Protocol Regulations July 27

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will withdraw regulations governing outdated effective dates and requirements for various industry equipment and protocol effective July 27.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 stemming from a series of July 1, 2025, proposals that followed an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump.

Scope of the Final Rules

The final rules address approval of conveyor belts in underground coal mines. The final rules address blacksmith shops at surface metal and nonmetal mines. The final rules address diesel emission limits for equipment in underground coal mines. The final rules address permissible flame safety lamps in underground coal mines. According to Safety+Health Magazine, these actions target regulations no longer applicable.

Agency Statement on Miner Protections

Removing outdated requirements that are no longer applicable will not reduce the protections afforded to miners, the agency says. Instead, it will streamline current requirements and improve the clarity of MSHA’s standards. The Executive Order directed agencies to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Publication Timeline

MSHA published the multiple final rules on June 25. The rules stem directly from July 1, 2025, proposals. The withdrawal takes effect July 27. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the changes follow the Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump.

Regulatory Context

The actions apply to underground coal mines and surface metal and nonmetal mines. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the final rules focus solely on the listed equipment and protocol areas.