Ground Control Plan

OMB No. 1219-0026, Expiration: 10/31/15
Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 6.2 hours including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. This is a mandatory collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to DOL/MSHA, OSRV, 201 12th Street South,
Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452, Paperwork Reduction Project (1219-0026). NOTE:Do not send your completed form to this address. Persons are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Template
for
Submittal and Evaluation of Ground Control Plans
(Submitted for Compliance with 30 CFR 77.1000 and 77.1000-1)
MSHA DISTRICT 2

1. Company name & address:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
2. Telephone number:______-_________-__________
Fax number:______-_________-__________
Email address:________________________
3. (a) Mine name________________________________________
(b) Legal identification number ID________________________
(c) County________________
State____________________
(d) Pit Number(s)____________ Location___________
____________
____________
4. Officer in charge of health and safety
__________________________________________________
(Name)
(Title)
5. (a) Typical columnar section (Strata Profile) of the strata including the coal
seam(s) to be mined.
(1a) Include a copy of drill log data (ex: core recovery to
characterize overburden, strike and dip of strata, rock mass
classification (Rock Quality Designation (RQD)), groundwater
elevation)
(b) List coal seam(s) to be mined and seam thickness.
Name __________________Thickness _________________
__________________
_________________
__________________
_________________

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6. List of each piece of equipment used in pits, on highwalls, and spoil banks,
including highwall drills used on the mine site.
Serial Number
Manufacturer
Model
Use
_________________ ________________ __________ ______________
_________________ ________________ __________ ______________
_________________ ________________ __________ ______________
Use additional pages as needed:
7. (a) Method(s) of mining in use at the mine:
(Methods include but are not limited to: dragline, shovel
spreads, loader spreads, auger, and highwall miner.)
_______________________________________________________
(b) Indicate whether the method of mining is used for contour,
mountaintop, open pit, augerpit, highwall mining pit,
underground faceup, or other types of mining.
________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
( c) Drawings and/or map profiles showing sequence of mining in relation to seam locations
and methods of mining

(d) When removing coal from the seam, Equipment shall work perpendicular to the highwall no
less than the (W) the calculated distance from the highwall referenced from TABLE 3.

8. Attach an engineered drawing(s) showing a profile(s) of the mining sequence
for each method of mining to be used that is listed under item No. 7.
9. Attach drawing(s) and include the following pit and highwall information:
(a) Slope of ground to be mined________________________
(b) Maximum highwall height__________________________
(c) Highwall slope___________________________________
(d) Width of highwall benches_________________________
(e) Spacing of highwall benches________________________
(f) Minimum pit width _______________________________
(g) Maximum height of deposited spoil__________________
(h) Maximum angle of deposited spoil___________________

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(i) Description of methods and equipment used to scale and maintain
highwall: ________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(Refer to sketches 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) concerning the information mentioned above.)

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Pit and Highwall Information
A. Slope of ground to be mined_________________________________.
B. Maximum highwall height__________________________________.
C. Highwall slope_____________________________________degrees.
D. Width of highwall benches__________________________________.
E. Spacing of benches for safe control of the highwall_______________.
F. Minimum pit width________________________________________.
G. Maximum height of deposited spoil___________________________.
H. Maximum angle of deposited spoil____________________________.
I. Name of coal seam to be mined______________________________.
J. Description of methods and equipment used to scale and maintain highwall
________________________________________________.

SKETCH 9(a)

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Pit and Highwall Information
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

Slope of ground to be mined_________________________________.
Maximum highwall height__________________________________.
Highwall slope_____________________________________degrees.
Width of highwall benches__________________________________.
Spacing of benches for safe control of the highwall_______________.
Minimum pit width________________________________________.
Maximum height of deposited spoil___________________________.
Maximum angle of deposited spoil____________________________.
Name of coal seam to be mined______________________________.
Description of methods and equipment used to scale and maintain
highwall_________________________________________________.

SKETCH 9(b)

A

E

G

D

D

B

H

SPOIL

I

F
K
NOT TO SCALE

I

6

Pit and Highwall Information
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

Slope of ground to be mined_________________________________.
Maximum highwall height__________________________________.
Highwall slope_____________________________________degrees.
Width of highwall benches__________________________________.
Spacing of benches for safe control of the highwall_______________.
Minimum pit width________________________________________.
Maximum height of deposited spoil___________________________.
Maximum angle of deposited spoil____________________________.
Name of coal seam to be mined______________________________.
Description of methods and equipment used to scale and maintain
highwall_________________________________________________.

SKETCH 9(c)

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10. Topographic maps showing location of pits (longitude and
latitude) and area of proposed mining.
11. Maps with a legend of symbols used and containing the following
information:
(a) Showing the location of any oil or gas wells, high voltage
transmission lines with known capacity, gas transmission lines, etc. If
none of these structures are on the property, a statement to indicate there
are none.
(1a) Gas wells and lines – IF NONE, include statement that no mining, excavation, or
equipment/vehicle operation will occur within 150 feet of gas wells or lines.

OR
Include precautions to be taken if any type of work, travel, excavation, or blasting will occur
within 150 feet of active gas wells or lines.
Precautions needed for working or traveling near gas lines and/or wells:
Before performing any type of work, travel, excavation, or blasting within 150 feet of active gas lines
or wells existing where highwalls, spoil banks, or pits will be developed the following stipulations
will be met:
o

Any gas line will be considered as being active unless the line has been cut, purged, and capped
on each end. Any gas well will be considered active unless the well has been adequately plugged
below the elevation of the work area. Documentation will be provided to show that the condition
of the gas lines and/or wells is as described.

o

Notify the gas company or other entity owning the lines or wells and have them locate and mark
the lines or wells according to their operating procedures.

o

A pipe line locator of the type used by gas companies (there are different manufacturers) will be
used to locate metal gas lines.

o

Older plastic lines will be located by survey records if they exist. Recent plastic line installations
may have a tracer wire buried with them

o

The location of all gas lines will be marked in a distinct color on a certified map with legend
identifying color and the map provided with the ground control plan.

o

After gas lines are located they will be identified with markers.

o

The markers will be no less than 36 inches in height above the ground level and will be identified
with a distinct, consistent, reflective marking at the top of the marker.

8
o

The markers will be placed perpendicular (upright) to the location of the gas line, 5 feet from the
location of the gas line, and on both sides of the gas line at each marker location.

o

The markers will be spaced at no more than 75 feet intervals along the gas line and have a
guaranteed line of sight between markers.

o

The markers will be made of a weather resistant material.

o

The markers will be visible to persons on foot or in equipment from outside the defined zone. The
defined zone is the area on both sides of and within 50 feet of the gas line.

o

When there is a curve in a gas line, additional markers will be installed 5 feet from each side of
the gas line and directly across from each other at any location where any part of a gas line is
located more than 5 feet from a straight line extending along the gas line between the center of
the gas line at one marked location and the center of the gas line at the next adjacent marked
location.

o

In areas where equipment/vehicles cross gas lines, the gas line will be encased with a steel pipe
(conductor) of a minimum wall thickness of ¼ inch or protected from damage by equivalent
means and will be buried a minimum depth of 6 feet where equipment weighing more than
150,000 lbs. cross the lines and will be buried a minimum depth of 3 feet where equipment
weighing less than 150,000 lbs. cross the lines. Pickup trucks, six wheel mechanic trucks, and
track mounted equipment weighing less than 30,000 lbs. will be allowed to cross low pressure gas
lines in areas outside the encased zones only if the depth of the gas line is known to be at least 3
feet and the ground surface is not disturbed.

o

In all areas where equipment/vehicles are allowed to cross, the gas lines will be marked by signs
designating the crossing area and identifying the presence of the gas line.

o

In areas where tree cutting and/or clearing operations is to be performed the markers will be
inspected after the operation is completed and any markers found to be missing or damaged will
be replaced as needed.

o

When tree removal activities must be conducted within 50 feet of the gas line, a grapple type
excavator will be used to pick the fallen trees from the marked area. This work can not be
conducted unless the gas line is buried more than two feet below the surface of the ground and at
no time can the ground be disturbed below the surface.

o

At no time will mining, excavation, or equipment/vehicle operation occur within 50 feet of a gas
line or well except that equipment/vehicles will be allowed to cross at designated crossings.
Markers will be established around gas wells to identify this 50 ft. zone.

(b) Showing underground mine workings within the proposed
mining area. Listing the coal seam in which the workings are
located. If none, a statement to indicate there are none.
Note

Include plans for highwall development directly over any previous underground mined areas (including highwall
and auger mining). Plans must include precautions taken to insure highwall stability and safe working conditions.

9

Because highwall failure would not be expected to occur above the area of pressure arch formation in the highwall
where second mining has not occurred limiting exposure to within 30 feet of the toe of such a highwall would be
expected to provide for safe working conditions as long as stress cracks or stability failure did not occur in the
highwall at any location more than 40 feet above the toe of the highwall.
Because extensive highwall failure would be expected to occur directly above areas that have been second mined,
highwall mined (due to low stability parameters of near 1.3 and alignment issues), and in cases of low stability
where auger mining has occurred, plans for highwall development directly over these areas need to include
immediate wall bench spacing not to exceed 40 feet measured from the pit floor and limiting exposure of
persons to the highwall. The bench width would need to be a minimum of 30 feet. This provides abutment
and removes weight from above the immediate highwall for increased stability. Decreasing the immediate
highwall spacing below 30 feet would reduce the abutment effect on stability of any highwall existing above
the bench. Persons should be kept away from the toe of the highwall for a distance equal to that bench spacing.
Other no less effective means can be used in lieu.

12. A statement that if underground mine workings are encountered
during surface mining operations; the examination required by
30 CFR 77.1713 shall include tests for methane and oxygen
deficiency in the pit areas by a qualified person. The results of
these examinations shall be recorded along with the record
keeping required by the regulations. Methane and oxygen
detectors shall be kept on the job site in the pit during mining operations,
maintained in permissible conditions, and shall be calibrated at
least once every 31 days using manufacturer’s test apparatus. The
results of these tests shall be recorded in a book kept at the mine
office. And MSHA will be notified during the shift.
13. A Statement that if mining exposes abandoned underground mine
openings, these mine openings shall be blocked to prevent
entering by the end of the shift.
(d) Previous mining same seam, above, & below – IF NONE, include statement that
highwall will not be developed directly above or directly adjacent to any previously underground
mined areas (including highwall and auger mining).
OR
If stress cracks exist or stability failure occurs in any portion of the highwall, where the highwall
is developed directly above or directly adjacent to any previous underground mined areas
(including highwall and auger mining), operations in the affected area will be immediately
stopped, the affected area will be barricaded, and this plan will be immediately revised. The

10
revision will identify the reason for revising the plan to alert MSHA to the conditions. Persons
will not work or travel within 30 feet of the toe of highwalls developed directly above or directly
adjacent to any previous underground mined areas (including highwall and auger mining). This
includes persons on foot and persons operating equipment.

14. A sketch showing the requirements of the local electrical power
company concerning the amount of material to be left in place
when mining near poles supporting power transmission lines.
Example: WHEN ELECTRIC LINES ARE ENCOUNTERED BY THE

OPERATOR THE COMPANY WILL FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING
SKETCHES.
Sketch #14(a):

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Sketch #14(b):

15. A statement concerning the method of controlling water seepage
from rainfall or the natural watershed from eroding at the highwall
or spoil banks.
16. A statement that all loose materials shall be stripped and/or kept a
safe distance from the top of the pit or highwall.
(a)What procedures are followed to assure that workers who perform assigned duties near highwalls
are not exposed to unsafe conditions?
If the method of mining includes working persons near highwalls, show in the plan with drawings or
by statements how the method of mining ensures that the recommendations outlined in Item 6
(Working Near Highwalls) of the attached guidelines are incorporated.

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13

(b) Before persons on foot work near the highwall a competent person will make an examination of the
highwall immediately before working near the wall and will have any unsafe conditions corrected before
exposure occurs. Persons traveling on foot in close proximity to a highwall must have a spotter
stationed to watch the highwall.
( c)The cabs of track mounted equipment with side mounted cabs such as drills and excavators will be
located away from the highwall at all times so as to never position the cab between the boom or drill
mast of the machine and the highwall when the machine is working near the toe of the highwall unless it
can be shown that failure of the highwall will not affect the operator. If it is necessary to drill the first
two or three holes of a pattern with the drill angled toward the wall, an examination of the highwall will
be made by a competent person immediately before drilling the first holes of the pattern near the

14
highwall and any hazards found will be corrected before work is done. All other holes will be drilled
with the cab away from the highwall.
( d) A buffer, berm, or other no less effective means will be provided at the toe of live stacked spoil piles
(includes back stack, dumped in place, and dragline spoils) where roadways and/or work areas exist that
is of adequate design and dimension to keep material from rolling/sliding off the pile into the work
areas and roadways.
OR
No person will work or travel near the toe of live stacked spoil piles where a buffer, berm or other no
less effective means to keep material from rolling or sliding off the pile into the work area(s) and
roadway(s) has not been provided.
(e) When failure to control the developing highwall occurs such as the existence of overhangs, loose
material, unconsolidated rocks, material falling into the pit, movement in the wall, or blasting practices
fail to result in a clean and stable highwall, and corrective action can not be taken to eliminate the
existence of these conditions, the affected area will be barricaded to prevent persons from being exposed
to the conditions and the plan will be revised to safely control the highwall and provide for safe
conditions.

17. Blasting plan showing drill hole spacing, typical loaded drill hole,
and sequence of drill hole detonation.
18. A statement concerning the distance the haulage ways will be maintained from
the highwall.
SKETCH #18

15

19. A statement addressing truck dump points being maintained on the
grade that the rear of the truck will be higher than the front of the
truck.
(a) End Dump Valley Fill Information
NOTE: THESE PRECAUTIONS ALSO APPLY TO BACKSTACK FILL
If the method of mining includes end dumping to establish a valley fill, attach an additional
engineered drawing showing how the method of mining ensures that all the recommendations
outlined in Item 7 (End Dump Valley Fills) of the attached guidelines are incorporated. This
drawing would show the following information:
Note: Refer to Item 7 in the aguidelines and sketch # 19 below to determine the following
information:
a. The established angle of the outer slope of the fill. ( see item 1 in sketch 19 )
b. The maximum height spoil will be deposited in the fill. ( see item 2 in sketch 19)
c. The location and height of the berm used to prevent overtravel and overturning at or near the
edge of the fill where equipment dumps. ( see item 3 in sketch 19 )
d. The distance short dumping will occur back from the edge of the fill should the slope become
steeper than the established angle of repose. ( see item 4 in sketch 19 )
e. The distance short dumping will occur back from any tension crack that would occur in the fill. (
see item 5 in sketch 19 )
f. Examination methods used on the fill.

16

g.

A typical projected depth and orientation in the fill of any lift to be cut by a dozer should tension
cracks exist in the fill. ( see item 6 in sketch 19 )
Include a statement in the drawing to the effect that:

(1) Any such cut will begin a safe distance back from the tension crack to the specified depth (such as
the depth of the dozer blade’s height) and extend to the outer edge of the fill.
(2) The desired depth of the cut will be obtained by beginning at the back of the cut and taking small
horizontal lifts that cause the blade to fill near the end of the cut where that material is
deposited at the edge of the fill. That material is bumped over by the next push.
(3) The short dumped loads would then be pushed to fill this cut before dumping at the edge would
occur, and should another tension crack occur, the process would be repeated.
h. A statement in the drawing dictating the means used to prevent water from impounding near the
outer edge of the fill.

Sketch #19
20. Pages of the plan and drawings are to be numbered.

Tension
Crack
5
4

3. Berm
1. Outer Slope

Short Dump
Loads
6. Typical lift
removed for
tension
crack.

2. Spoil Height

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21. Mine company official responsible for implementation of the
plan. ________________________________________________
Date__________________________
Note: Additional information may be needed depending upon the
highwall, strata, slope, type of mining, etc.
U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health
Administration
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

ISSUE DATE: July 13, 2010
PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P10-09

FROM:

KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

Charles Thomas for

Administrator for
Coal Mine Safety and Health

NEAL H. MERRIFIELD
Acting Administrator for
Metal/Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

LINDA F. ZEILER

John Faini for

Acting Director of Technical Support
SUBJECT:

Safety Precautions for Operating Rubber Tired and TrackMounted Excavators

Who needs this information?
This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to surface coal and metal and nonmetal
mine operators, contractors, equipment manufacturers, miners, miners' representatives,
and Coal and Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health enforcement personnel.
What is the purpose of this PIB?
This PIB alerts the mining industry and MSHA enforcement personnel of hazards related to
operation of rubber-tired and track-mounted excavators used at surface coal and metal
and nonmetal mines. Improper operation, inadequate equipment protection and operator
training procedures can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

18
Information
Excavators expose miners to hazards similar to those presented by front end loaders,
including rollover of the equipment and being struck by objects falling onto the
equipment. To decrease the risk of injury when operating excavators, mine operators
must make certain that appropriate machines are selected and used for the intended work
applications, excavator operators are appropriately trained and wear seat belts, and
examinations of the work area are conducted before and during the operation of the
excavator. A thorough workplace examination includes checking highwalls for loose
material, overhangs, clay seams, strata slips and dislocations, and old mine openings. An
examination is intended to detect unsafe conditions so that corrective action can be taken
prior to work beginning, and appropriate precautions can be taken during operation.
MSHA is particularly concerned with preventing excavator accidents by implementing
proper protective measures. When excavators clear highwall benches, an equipment
rollover hazard may exist if the excavator is operated near the edge of the bench. The
outside edge of an excavator's track should be positioned no closer to the edge of the
consolidated bench surface than half the overall width of the machine. In many cases, a
bench width of at least 25 feet should be sufficient to provide safe maneuverability of the
equipment; however, an examination of the work area is necessary to determine if this
width is sufficient.
Excavators frequently perform work that creates uneven or unconsolidated ground on
elevated slopes, increasing the risk of equipment overturning. Therefore, MSHA
recommends that excavators operated in elevated positions be equipped with certified roll
over protection structures (ROPS), or that mine operators use dozers or other equipment
that provides a higher level of protection for miners performing the work.
Excavators should also be equipped with adequate falling object protective structures
(FOPS) to protect operators from material falling onto the equipment. The FOPS will
reduce accidents such as those involving scaling a highwall where the highwall is at a
height above the cab compartment. Mine operators should also consider other measures
to protect excavator operators from being struck by material falling from highwalls, such
as: (1) equipping excavators with appropriate length booms, dippers, and other related
attachments to ensure the excavator and its operator remain as far from the highwall
base as possible during scaling operations; and (2) utilizing rock deflectors or similar
attachments to protect the excavator operator from falling material.
MSHA recommends that mine operators using excavators in the mining process contact
the equipment manufacturer to determine the availability of ROPS and FOPS for
retrofitting existing equipment.
In addition, excavator operators must be trained to recognize hazards in the work area,
including the adverse effects of the weather and freeze/thaw cycles. The excavator
operator at times must not be so attentive to the task of loading material or scaling the
highwall, that they become unaware of hazards. Task and refresher training tailored to the
prevailing conditions at individual mine sites, and regular observation of, and feedback to,
equipment operators will provide the best environment for early detection and correction
of operational behavior errors and actions that may place miners at risk.

19

What is the background for this PIB?
From January 1, 2002, through September 29, 2009, sixteen accidents involving
excavators occurred at surface coal mines. Eleven of these accidents were the result of
equipment rolling over, while five accidents were the result of objects or material falling or
sliding onto the equipment. Two of the sixteen accidents resulted in fatal injuries. In one
accident, a miner received fatal crushing injuries when the excavator he was operating
rolled over a bench onto its side while cleaning a bench. During the process of
repositioning the equipment, the operator misjudged his position and one of the tracks
slipped over the edge of the bench.
From January 1, 2002 through September 29, 2009, thirty-four accidents involving
excavators occurred at surface metal and nonmetal mines. Seventeen of the accidents
were the result of material falling or sliding onto the excavator and twelve of the accidents
were the result of equipment rolling or sliding over. Four of the thirty-four accidents
resulted in fatalities. One of those fatalities was a result of the ground failing under an
excavator working on an embankment, causing it to tip over.
What is MSHA's authority for this PIB?
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.; 30
C.F.R. § 77.1713(a), 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.18002, 30 C.F.R. § 56.3130, 30 C.F.R. § 56.3401,
30 C.F.R. 46.7 and 30 C.F.R. 48.27
Where is this PIB on the Internet?
This information may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page
www.msha.gov, then choosing "Compliance Info" and "Program Information Bulletins."
Who are the MSHA contact persons for this PIB?
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division
Stephen J. Gigliotti, (202) 693-9479
E-mail: gigliotti.stephen@dol.gov
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division
Charles E. Carpenter, (202) 693-9532
E-mail: carpenter.charles@dol.gov
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
Marvin D. Lichtenfels, (202) 693-9606
Email: lichtenfels.marvin@dol.gov
Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center
James L. Angel, (304) 547-2064
Email: angel.james@dol.gov
Who will receive this PIB?
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
Miners' Representatives
Coal and Metal and Nonmetal Mine Operators

20
Contractors performing work at Coal and Metal and Nonmetal Mines
Equipment Manufacturers Special Interest Groups

Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA - Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978

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U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health
Administration
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

ISSUE DATE: February 25, 2011
PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-02

FROM:

SUBJECT:
Mines

KEVIN G. STRICKLIN
Administrator for
Coal Mine Safety and Health
-Issue of P09-02 - Filing of Ground Control Plans for Surface Coal

Who needs this information?
Coal mine operators, miners and miners' representatives, and Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel should have this bulletin.
What is the purpose of this program information bulletin (PIB)?
The purpose of this PIB is to identify the advantages to mine operators of
submitting their ground control plans to MSHA well in advance of commencing
mining to avoid delays if safety issues are identified with the ground control plans.
Information Under the requirements of 30 C.F.R. § 77.1000, mine operators are
to establish and follow ground control plans for "safe control of all highwalls, pits
and spoil banks . . . which shall be consistent with prudent engineering design and
will insure safe working conditions." Under 30 C.F.R. § 77.1000-1, a mine operator

21
must file a copy of the ground control plan with the District Manager.
Under certain mining conditions, highwall plans and other ground control plan
designs may be inadequate and not in conformance with prudent engineering
design parameters. For safety reasons, such as reducing miner hazard exposure
and minimizing risks related to highwall mining activity, MSHA must assure the
adequacy of all highwall and ground-related plans. If major flaws are identified in
the plan after mining commences, MSHA could issue citations or orders for remedial
purposes. The consequences of MSHA citations could include additional engineering
costs and mining delays, which could be lengthy, and adverse economic results until
plans consistent with "prudent engineering design" are prepared and filed with
MSHA. In addition, if a ground control plan was not filed with MSHA prior to
beginning mining, those mine operators could be subject to a citation as well. In
order to avoid such circumstances, MSHA strongly encourages mine operators to
involve the Agency very early in the ground control plan design and submittal
process. The benefit of this approach would be to obtain MSHA agreement that
plans are "consistent with prudent engineering design and will insure safe working
conditions" prior to adoption, thereby increasing protection for miners and avoiding
delays and adverse economic outcomes.
With this in mind, mine operators should consider the following when designing and
submitting ground control plans:
Involve MSHA as early as possible and prior to mining for assurance that design
parameters are sound, adhere to prudent engineering practices, and afford the
miners ample safety protections.
Develop ground control plans that specify remedial measures for adverse conditions
such as those presented by faults, fractures, joints, and/or other geologic
anomalies, old underground mines, and potentially adverse weather conditions.
Involve front-line supervisors when developing mining plans and apply prudent
engineering principles to address both normal and adverse conditions.
What is the background for this PIB?
On April 17, 2007, two miners were fatally injured when a highwall failed while the
miners were operating equipment in the pit bottom between the highwall and
backfilled overburden/spoil. The collapse of the highwall released an estimated
44,000 cubic yards of rock and material. Also, on January 12, 2008, a shovel
operator, positioned beside his shovel and a highwall, was fatally injured when the
highwall collapsed. The highwall consisted of sandy material and was approximately
45 feet high.
Authority
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et
seq.; 30 C.F.R. §§ 77.1000 and 77.1000-1.
Internet Availability
This PIB may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page at
www.msha.gov then choosing "Compliance Info" and then "Program Information

22
Bulletin."
Contact Person(s)
Coal Mine Safety and Health
Terry L. Bentley, (202) 693-9521
E-mail: bentley.terry@dol.gov
Distribution
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
Miners' Representatives
Coal Mine Operators
Special Interest Groups

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