Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

May 22, 2008

In Reply Refer To:
3400 (WO 320) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 06/04/2008
Information Bulletin No. 2008-082

To State Directors
Attn: Solid Minerals Program Leads

From: Assistant Director, Minerals and Realty Management

Subject: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently signed a MOU with The MSHA. The MSHA is the Federal agency responsible for enforcing the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.).

The purpose of this MOU is to foster and encourage more frequent coordination and communication between the BLM and the MSHA on geological conditions or mining practices that may impact the health and safety of miners at underground coal mines on Federal and Indian lands.

The MOU supports the long-standing efforts of the BLM to provide opportunities for underground miners to develop the public’s non renewable resources in a safe environment. The MOU provides procedures that the MSHA and the BLM will complete to work toward that goal.

Please review this MOU closely. Note that the MOU is applicable to underground coal mines only, but the MOU recognizes there may be reasons to develop other agreements at the local level. Please pass this on to your field offices with the reminder that there are a few immediate information sharing tasks to be completed by both agencies. For more information on the MSHA, including a list of contacts visit their web site at: http://www.msha.gov/.

Signed by: Authenticated by:
Jeff Holdren Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Minerals and Realty Management

1 Attachment
1 - Copy of Memorandum of Understanding (5 pp)