Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans, 30 CFR 77.1900 (Pertains to the Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines)
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
05/14/2026
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
07/31/2026
50
55
1,001
1,100
30
35
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. § 813, authorizes MSHA to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners.
Title 30 C.F.R. § 77.1900 requires underground coal mine operators to submit for approval a plan that will provide for the safety of workmen in each slope or shaft that is commenced or extended from the surface to the underground coal mine. Each slope or shaft sinking operation is unique in that each operator uses different methods and equipment and encounters different geological strata which makes it impossible for a single set of regulations to ensure the safety of the miners under all circumstances. This makes an individual slope or shaft sinking plan necessary. The plan must be consistent with prudent engineering design. Plans include the name and location of the mine; name and address of the mine operator; a description of the construction work and methods to be used in construction of the slope or shaft, and whether all or part of the work will be performed by a contractor; the elevation, depth and dimensions of the slope or shaft; the location and elevation of the coalbed; the general characteristics of the strata through which the slope or shaft will be developed; the type of equipment which the operator proposes to use; the system of ventilation to be used; and safeguards for the prevention of caving during excavation.
US Code:
30 USC 811
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
US Code:
30 USC 813(h)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents decreased from 24 to 20 due to a decrease in the number of underground coal mines with slopes and shafts.
Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses decreased from 55 to 50 due to a decrease in the number of respondents.
Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden decreased from 1,100 hours to 1,001 due to a decrease in the number of responses.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Costs: The estimated annual other burden cost decreased from $35 to $30 due to a decrease in the number of mailed plans.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1219-0019 Supporting Statement 2026.docx
1219-0019 60-Day FRN Published 1-26-2026.pdf
Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans