US Department of Labor renews alliance with Essential Minerals Association to promote miner education, training

MSHA News Release | May 29, 2026

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration announced the renewal of its alliance with the Essential Minerals Association to provide education and training that will help protect the health and safety of workers in industrial mineral mines and processing facilities.

MSHA and EMA will work together on initiatives to meet education and training goals designed to improve worker health and safety in industrial mineral mines and processing facilities, including:

− Conducting and publishing case studies of worker injury and illnesses.
− Providing and developing information, education, training, and technical assistance to raise safety and
health awareness within the industrial minerals sector and to help prevent injuries and illnesses and
protect workers' safety and health.
− Collaborating and sharing best practices to improve operator and contractor safety and health in mines and processing facilities.

"Protecting the health and safety of miners requires consistent collaboration, clear communication, and a shared commitment to continuous improvements," said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Wayne Palmer. "By renewing our alliance with the Essential Minerals Association, we are strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality training, technical assistance and practical tools that help prevent accidents before they happen. This partnership reinforces MSHA's long-standing mission to ensure that every miner has a safe workplace and every family has peace of mind."

"The minerals industry has a proud tradition of looking out for the people who work every day to produce the minerals that are essential to our daily lives. Renewing our Alliance with MSHA is a reaffirmation of that commitment. When industry and government work together on worker safety - sharing data, developing training tools, and talking openly about what works - the results speak for themselves. EMA is proud to continue this partnership and to make sure our members have every resource they need to bring their workforce home safe," said Chris Greissing, president of the Essential Minerals Association.

MSHA's Alliance Program helps the agency build cooperative relationships with organizations committed to workplace safety and health. Alliance partners work with MSHA to provide miners and mine operators with information, guidance, and resources to build a culture of safety. Alliances also ensure that mine operators fully understand their responsibilities under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

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Media Contact:
Lorynn Holloway, 202-693-4526,

[email protected]
Kristen Knebel, 202-693-3435,

[email protected]