On Thursday, Aug. 21, Gov. Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania toured McLanahan Corp’s corporate headquarters in Hollidaysburg, Pa., and discussed how pro-growth policies and energy development are spurring the growth of Pennsylvania manufacturers. As part of his visit, Corbett toured the facility with George Sidney, president and COO, and Michael McLanahan, chairman. Following his tour, he spoke with the facility’s employees…
Read MoreDay: August 22, 2014
MSHA Releases Mid-Year Mine Fatality Update
MSHA released a mid-year summary of mining deaths across the country. During the first half of 2014, 22 miners were killed in accidents in the mining industry. The toll represents an increase in the mid-year fatality count and reverses a decline in fatal accidents seen in recent years.
Read More300-Ft. Highwall Not Controlled; Miners Risked Injury From Rock Falls
By Ellen Smith A company was found to have used unsafe mining methods where miners worked around a 230-to-300-ft. highwall, despite the use of spotters and frequent inspections to look for potentially dangerous conditions, according to a recent Commission decision.
Read MorePrinciple Number Five: Safety is a Given
By Randy K. Logsdon This is the fifth in a series of six columns exploring traditional principles of safety. Previous parts were entitled: “Safety First,” “Safety is Just Common Sense,” “Compliance = Safety” and “Accidents are a Matter of (Bad) Luck.” – Ed.
Read MoreNonmetallic Minerals Index Rises
August 22, 2014 – Good big-picture news on the production front. According to USGS, the nonmetallic mineral products leading index increased 1.2 percent to 241.6 in July from a revised 238.8 in June, and its six-month smoothed growth rate increased to 7.4 percent from a revised 5.9 percent in June. The six-month smoothed growth rate is a compound annual rate…
Read MoreCongressional Action Needed for Proper Water Safeguards
By Mark S. Kuhar Rep. Steve Southerland (R-Fla.) has introduced “Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act” (H.R. 5078). This bipartisan legislation establishes safeguards that preserve important federal-state partnerships in protecting our nation’s waterways.
Read MoreEPA Rescinding Valid Clean Water Permits
By Mark S. Kuhar A decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke a valid Clean Water Act (CWA) permit from a mining operation in West Virginia could have ripple effects on the ability of public agencies and private firms to deliver urgently-needed transportation-improvement projects for the nation, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) First Vice Chairman…
Read MoreA Different View of Your Workforce Reduces Risks
By Henry Chajet
Read MoreJune Construction Jumps 6 Percent
Modest Gains Reported For Housing And Nonbuilding Construction; New Highway Construction Starts Improve 6 Percent. By Mark S. Kuhar
Read MorePermitting – August 2014
Cemex Requests Hearing DelayCemex has asked for a postponement before a controversial mining expansion at its Brooksville, Fla., site in Hernando County, was set to go before county commissioners at a public hearing. Cemex has asked for a postponement until Dec. 9. The action comes one week after planning and zoning board members shot down Cemex’s request to amend the…
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