Tag Archives: mining

Mining Pain Points and Solutions: How Technology Makes the Difference

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Approximately 230,000 miners work across 11,500 metal/nonmetal mines in the U.S., while 64,000 work in the nation’s 1,000 coal mines. The mining sector employs 3.7 million+ workers worldwide.

In 2020, mining-related deaths declined and the mining industry achieved its highest compliance with U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration health standards, which protect the long-term health and safety of miners. The year 2020 saw all-time-low average concentrations of respirable dust and respirable quartz in underground coal mines, as well as exposure to dust and quartz for miners at highest risk of overexposure to respirable dust.

That said, the agency issued thousands of citations in 2020 for violations of the Mine Safety and Health Act, and the fines for all of those citations add up to millions of dollars. And despite the good news of fewer fatal injuries and fewer citations, miners continue to die and be seriously injured at work.

Our … Read more...

Digging In to Improve Mining Safety: Pain Points and Solutions

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Mining safety is on an upswing in recent years. Approximately 230,000 miners work across 11,500 metal/nonmetal mines in the U.S., while 64,000 work in the nation’s 1,000 coal mines. The mining sector employs 3.7 million+ workers worldwide and is structured according to the substance being mined, the type of excavation taking place (either surface mining or underground mining) and by the mine’s lifecycle/development phase. Environmental and safety concerns/priorities change based on the substance being mined, the type of excavation and the phase of the lifecycle.  

In 2020, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported 29 mining fatalities, making it the sixth consecutive year that mining fatalities were below 30. Among those fatalities, five occurred in coal mines, a historic low.

Three deaths occurred in Kentucky and Louisiana; two each in Arizona, California, Georgia, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia; and one each in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New … Read more...

User Adoption of EHS Software: Best Practices from the Mining Industry

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On Friday, June 17, Intelex had the pleasure of hosting senior leaders, program managers and consulting partners at its first ever Mining Thought Leadership session. Attendees came to our downtown Toronto offices from as far away as Utah and northern Quebec to share their ideas, best practices, and insights on the use of technology in their industry.

Specifically, they were there to discuss the best EHS software solutions, often referred to in the mining sector as Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) management systems, underscoring the particular importance of community and stakeholder relationships for mining companies. Some of the event’s attendees were already using software systems to manage their processes, while others were just beginning to explore the opportunities. The mix made for some enlightening and thought-provoking conversations. In particular, the discussion centered around user adoption challenges and lessons learned.

The half-day event was designed to be interactive but was … Read more...

Sharing Best Practices in Mining Safety

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In the world of environmental, health and safety, sharing information can have an amazing ripple effect across an industry. It gives companies the ability to learn from the experiences of other companies. In some cases, this can be the difference between life and death for workers, or it can prevent devastating environmental incidents. Overall, we are stronger when we work together towards EHS excellence.

More Collaboration Desired in Ontario Mining Sector

The mining sector is an example of an industry that stands to realize significant benefits if further information-sharing initiatives are implemented. However, sharing information can appear counter-intuitive for companies struggling to do business in a competitive market.

“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” – Douglas Adams

Earlier this month, the results of a provincial mining safety review were

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U.S. Mine Fatality Trends Prompt 2015 Updates to Outreach and Enforcement

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In 2014, the U.S. coal mining industry reported the lowest number of coal mining deaths in recorded history; this follows a steady decline in coal fatalities over recent years. Yet the overall fatality count for the U.S. mining industry in 2014 was just the fourth-lowest annual total on record.

The explanation? A spike in fatalities in the metal/nonmetal (MNM) mining sector. This sector reported their own record low fatality numbers back in 2011 and 2012, with 16 deaths each year. However, MNM fatalities rose to over 20 in 2013, and reported another increase in 2014 with a total of 25 deaths in the sector.

“Unacceptable” according to MSHA chief Joe Main, who has announced an increased focus in 2015 on combating fatal incidents, serious injuries and their root causes, particularly in light of the increasing fatality numbers in the metal and nonmetal mining sector.

Increasing Enforcement Efforts

MSHA’s “Rules … Read more...

Webinar: Leveraging Technology to Overcome Today’s Top Challenges in Mining

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Deloitte’s recent report on the Top 10 Trends in Mining highlighted some of the biggest pains faced by mining companies today. From substantial costs of doing business, to labour pains, to a web of incomprehensible legislative hurdles it’s getting harder and harder for mining companies to keep their ducks in a row and optimize business performance.

To add some clarity and guidance to the climate around mining, Intelex is proud to present “Leveraging Technology to Overcome Today’s Top Challenges in Mining”, a free 30-minute webinar. This presentation looks at some of the key challenges that mining companies face today, and how they can save money, time and resources by leveraging streamlined technological tools.

Key topics covered include:

  • Rising prices of energy, resources and commodities and the resultant impacts on mining operations around the world.
  • How to handle labour shortages, turnover, and the need for skilled mining professionals in the current
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Turkey Coal Mine Collapse Leaves 18 Miners Trapped, NTSB Identifies Recurring Safety Issues, New Canadian Railway Safety Measures and more on EHS This Week!

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On this week’s edition of EHS This Week we’ve got the week’s top stories in environment, health and safety news:

  • 18 miners trapped in coal mine collapse in Turkey
  • NTSB identifies recurring safety issues in investigation of recent Metro-North Accidents
  • Canada tightens railway safety measures after Lac Megantic disaster
  • Gas leaks in the US hurt or kill someone or damage property every other day

Remember to write us with your suggestions, questions and comments. Also, if you are an industry expert and ever want to take part in the program, we’d love to have you.

Until next week, enjoy the program!

EHS This Week Resources
For more information on the stories and resources mentioned in this week’s podcast, check out the links below.

  • NTSB railroad accident reports. Review them here.

[audio: 2014/10/EHSTW103114.mp3]… Read more...

Webinar: Cultivating a Culture of Mine Safety

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Safety is undeniably an essential priority for mine operators. This was well articulated by Joseph Main, Director for Mine Safety and Health Administration, in a Leadership Lessons profile for a book called “Making a Difference: Leading in Government” where he discussed the three most important lessons in developing a safety-focused work culture.

Revisit and explore these ideas in this free 30-minute webinar that discusses Joseph Main’s key lessons, how they relate to the mining industry, and how every organization can benefit from his teachings.

Key topics covered include:

  • Ending the Cycle of Intensity and Complacency in Safety Management
  • The three critical lessons involved in enhancing mine safety.
  • Essential tools to ensure sustained, comprehensive compliance with Federal Safety regulations.

    • Watch a preview below or click here to watch the full webinar.

… Read more...