House discusses technology’s impact on mining practices

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources met on Wednesday to discuss the impact of technology on the mining industry, finding that new developments have made record-breaking safety improvements in the industry.

The non-legislative hearing, “Exploring 21st Century Mining Safety, Environmental Control and Technological Innovation,” focused on how recent advancements in technology have enhanced mining safety for underground and surface mines.

The Hecla Mining Company celebrated its 125th anniversary in the metal mining business this year. It is considered one of the premier metal mining companies in the U.S. Mark Board, the company’s vice president for technology and innovation, spoke at the meeting to give his first-hand view on how the industry has become safer through new modernization.

National Mining Association (NMA) Senior Vice President for Safety and Health Bruce Watzman also spoke at the meeting. He said safety has been a priority across the industry, and programs have been developed to support safe mining practices.

One such system includes NMA’s CORESafety, a health and safety framework that outlines best safety practices with a goal of achieving zero deaths and a 50 percent reduction in injuries in the next five years. CORESafety was first implemented in 2011. Companies that implemented the framework have already reported a 50 percent reduction in job-related injuries.