ISSUE DATE: 02/07/2012

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P12-02

FROM: NEAL H. MERRIFIELD

 Administrator for Metal and Nonmetal

 Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT: New Notification Alternatives to Comply with

 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.1000

Scope

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to metal and nonmetal mine operators. 

Purpose

The purpose of this PIB is to remind operators of the requirement in 30 C.F.R. 

§§ 56/57.1000 concerning the notification of commencement of operations and 

closing of mines.

Information

30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.1000 require mine operators to notify the Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA) before starting operations of the approximate or actual date 

mine operation will commence. The notification shall include the mine name, location, 

the company name, mailing address, person in charge, and whether operations will be 

continuous or intermittent. When any mine is closed, the person in charge shall notify 

MSHA and indicate whether the closure is temporary or permanent. 

Metal and nonmetal operators must comply with this existing requirement. MSHA 

suggests that operators can send MSHA the mine’s physical location, street address, 

map coordinates, or mileage and direction from the nearest town. Metal and nonmetal 

operators of portable plants are reminded that the existing standard requires 

notification when a move is made from one pit or location to another. To be in 

compliance, the notification must be prior to opening or closing a mine. MSHA 

recommends and encourages operators to notify the Agency at least two weeks prior to 

the actual or anticipated date for commencement or closure of mine operations.
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Effective February 1, 2012, two new alternatives are available to aid in meeting the 

requirements of 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.1000 reporting, in addition to the existing process. 

The two new alternatives are:

1. Online Reporting: Effective February 1, 2012, the MSHA “Forms and Online Filing” 

internet web page (http://www.msha.gov/forms/forms.asp) will have a new link 

for reporting commencement or closing of operations. This interface will allow you 

to notify MSHA using your existing e-gov account and password. If you do not 

already have an e-gov account, you may create one at any time.

2. Toll Free Telephone Call: Effective February 1, 2012, mine operators will be able to 

call MSHA’s toll free number (1-800-746-1553) to report operating status changes. 

When a call is made, an option will be provided to leave your information via a 

recorded message. Your information will be forwarded to your district and field 

office.

In addition to the two new notification options, mine operators will still be able to 

notify the local field office or the district office by telephone, fax, email or U. S. mail. 

We have attached a chart to this bulletin which outlines the information you should 

provide when using one of these two new alternatives.

Background

In carrying out MSHA’s enforcement requirements, inspectors travel to mines they 

believe to be operational, only to find the mine temporarily or permanently closed. 

30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57.1000 require operator notification for either commencement of 

operations (intermittent/ continuous) or closure (temporary/permanent).

Authority

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.; 

30 C.F.R. § 56.1000 and 30 C.F.R. § 57.1000.

Internet Availability

This PIB may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA home page 

(http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing “Compliance Assistance,” “Compliance 

Info” and “Program Information Bulletin.”

Issuing Office and Contact Person

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

Marvin Lichtenfels, (202) 693-9600

E-mail: lichtenfels.marvin@dol.gov 
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Distribution

Metal and Nonmetal Underground Operators

Metal and Nonmetal Surface Mine or Mill Operators

Special Interest Groups
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Attachment

The table below outlines the information to be provided when reporting commencement and/or 

closure of a mining operation. If you use the toll free number, you are encouraged to call 

between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday except holidays. 

Any calls received outside of this time will not be processed until the next business day. Callers 

are also encouraged to speak slowly and spell out any information which may not be clear 

through pronunciation alone. Additional information and instructions will be provided in 

conjunction with the implementation of these reporting alternatives.

All Metal and Nonmetal Mining Operations (in accordance with 30 CFR §§ 56.57.1000)

Reported Item Information

Mine ID MSHA assigned identification number 

Reported By Individual reporting the information

Phone Number A contact telephone number

E-Mail A contact e-mail address

Operating Change

(Report Type)

Commencement of operation

1. Continuous

2. Intermittent

Closure of operation

1. Temporary

2. Permanent

Effective Date Operators are encouraged to report at least two weeks before actual or 

anticipated date of commencement or closure of operation.

Portable Operations Reporting a Commencement of Operations with Location Change:

(in addition to the above information, please also provide the information below)

Nearest Town, 

Landmark, or Post 

Office

Provide name of closest, identifiable location

State State where portable will commence operation

County County in the state where portable will commence operation

Directions Clear directions to the location of the portable mine