www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining

Apply by August 15, 2024, for the

Coal Sector Award

What is the award? The award recognizes a mine or company for extraordinary achievements in applying health and safety technology 

in innovative ways, above and beyond mandatory requirements. The framed award certificate is presented by the 

NIOSH Associate Director for Mining and the National Mining Association President at an NMA meeting in October 

2024. NIOSH will also announce the recipients on its website and through other public channels. 

A written commendation will also be sent to the winners, who may cite it in their own public announcements.

Who can win? Mining operations that implement an extraordinary health and safety technology are eligible as are other 

organizations that play a major role in the implementation. A technology manufacturer may submit an award, but 

they must be working with a mine operator who is an active participant in the full process, from developing the 

innovative technology to adopting the technology into their mining operation.

When are submissions due? August 15, 2024. The NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research will track all submissions and acknowledge 

any received by the due date.

How do I make a submission? Send an email to the Associate Director for Mining at mining@cdc.gov stating that you are nominating for the coal

sector and answering these questions:

• What problem were you solving?

• What is the technology and how does it work?

• How did you modify and evaluate the technology to solve your specific problem?

• What did you do to implement the technology at your mine?

• What health and safety benefits have been realized or are expected?

• What mining operation or company is implementing the technology?

• Who is the primary contact for this submission? (Name, email address, phone number)

Pictures and diagrams are optional but may be attached to your submission to help us understand the technology. 

The submission does not need to be elaborately produced and the text can be in lay terms. NIOSH will contact you if 

we need further clarification during the review process.

What are some examples of innovations that have won in the past? Proximity Detection System for Longwall Shields. Consol Energy partnered with Komatsu Mining to develop a shield 

proximity system that combines low-power wireless transceivers and worker-worn battery-powered tags to protect 

workers. When a worker is detected, the shields are prevented from moving until the worker is clear of the danger.

Three-Point Seatbelt Restraint System. Peabody Energy Corp. designed a three-point seat belt with electronic 

controls that locks a haul truck driver in place when a sudden shift or potential rollover event is detected.

The design is an improvement over traditional lap belts.

How will I know if my submission has won? Winners will be notified prior to the NMA meeting in October 2024, and will receive a written notice of their 

commendation to cite in their own public announcements.

How can I get more information? View the award webpage at go.usa.gov/xNnYA for details and a list of past winners. For questions, email us at 

mining@cdc.gov, or call 412-386-5302.

NIOSH MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AWARD