silica dust

Starting Monday, mining companies across the country are expected to halve the amount of toxic rock dust their workers can be exposed to. It comes amid an epidemic of the deadly black lung disease among coal miners in central Appalachia.

Mine advocates and companies commented in Washington, D.C. this week, expressing lots of different concerns. If passed, the new rules would attempt to keep mine workers, including coal miners in Kentucky, safer while they work.

The mine safety agency is effectively putting operators on notice, saying it will increase inspections at mines with repeat offenses.

Coleman knew the fine silica dust he breathed every day had something to do with his condition, but he couldn’t prove it—until now.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is not doing enough to protect coal miners from deadly silica dust, according to a new report from the…