MSHA FAQs

If you have never previously had MSHA training before, you will need to take New Miner Training (NMT). The type of operation you will work at will determine if you need the 24 hour NMT or 40 hour NMT.

24 Hour New Miner: Training provides 24 hours of introductory training including New Miner topics and First Aid/CPR certification. Training prepares individuals to work at an above ground metal/non-metal mine operation.

40 Hour New Miner: Training provides 32 hours of introductory training to prepare individuals to work at an underground mine operation. Topics include introductory New Miner, 8 hours of onsite underground training and a First Aid/CPR certification.

They are not required to receive New Miner or Annual Refresher Training; however they should receive appropriate site-specific hazard awareness training for their job. Employees who only work in the scale house and are not engaged in mining operations, are not considered miners under 30 CFR Part 46.

If it has been three (3) or more years since your last New Miner Training you will need to take this course again. If you completed a New Miner Training less than three (3) years ago, you are eligible to take an 8-hour Experienced Miner Training.

Training will expire one year from the last day of the month the training was obtained. Example: Training date 01- 25-16; Expiration date will be: 01-31-17.

Yes, attending all 24 hours of training is required to obtain New Miner certification.

You will need to take the MSHA Part 48 Instructor Training Course. Review course prerequisites and qualifications for becoming an MSHA Approved Instructor. Please note that the MSHA instructor certification is only offered by MSHA State Grants programs and MSHA’s Educational Field Services Office.

Shell dredging, sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, and surface limestone mines. (46.1)

No. Part 46 training only requires a competent person. What is a competent person? Person designated by operator who has the ability, training, knowledge, or experience to provide training to miners in his or her area of expertise. Competent person must be able to both effectively communicate the training subject to miners and to evaluate whether the training given to miners is effective. (46.2 (b))

Subpart A: underground mines
Subpart B: surface mines and surface areas of underground mines (48.1)

Yes. Instructors shall be approved by the MSHA District Manager. Various ways of approval are included in 30 CFR 48.3 (h). (48.3 (h))

Yes. Anyone who is expecting to work at a mine, regardless of the type of work performed, is required to receive MSHA Certification.

Mine owners and operators are required by MSHA to have a training plan, and in some cases, independent contractors must develop their own training plan.

Part 46

Surface nonmetal mines that are designated as shell dredging, sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, colloidal phosphate, and surface limestone mines are required to have a Part 46 training plan. Other types can include operations that produce marble, granite, sandstone, slate, shale, traprock, kaolin, cement, feldspar, and lime.

No. Training plan does not have to be officially submitted for approval; however, training plan must include the minimum requirements as stated in 30 CFR 46.3 (b). (46.3)

All coal mines, all underground metal and nonmetal mines, and other surface metal and nonmetal mines (not included under Part 46) are required to have a Part 48 plan. (48.3(a))

Yes. The training plan should be filed with the District Manager’s Office for the area in which the mine is located. (48.23 (b)) 

Visit MSHA’s website and follow the training plan advisor to complete your plan. Click on the “Begin now” tab at the bottom of the page to get started.

Mine identification numbers may be requested by completing online Form 7000-51 or by contacting your local district office. Visit MSHA’s website to file online. Click on “file online” to apply for your ID. Please note that all mine operations are required to apply for a MSHA mine identification number. An MSHA ID is required for each mine site and must be issued before any operations begin.

Contractor identification numbers can be requested online by completing the Form 7000-52. Visit MSHA’s website to file online. Click on “file online” to apply for your ID. Please note that you cannot file for a training plan without a contractor ID.