US MSHA academy celebrates Ruby anniversary

On Wednesday 17 August 2016, the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will commemorate the National Mine Health and Safety Academy’s four decades of service with a ceremony and keynote address by MSHA Assistant Secretary Joseph A. Main. Representatives from the US Congress and the mining industry will join Main during the program.

Over the past 40 years, tens of thousands of mine inspectors and mine safety professionals have passed through the doors of the academy, in West Virginia,. Dedicated in 1976, the complex houses the world’s largest educational institution devoted solely to training in mine health and safety. It is one of just seven permanent federal academies in the US.

“Education and training are vital components in improving the health and safety of the nation’s miners. The National Mine Health and Safety Academy plays a critical role in our ability to carry out our mission,” said Main. “MSHA, miners across the nation and the mining industry owe a tremendous debt to the academy for its invaluable contributions over the past 40 years.”

Based in Beckley, the academy provides students with a variety of different disciplines in nine different laboratories: roof control, ground control, mine emergency and mine rescue, ventilation, electrical, machinery, industrial hygiene, computer, and underground mine simulation.

On 80 acres in nine buildings, the academy includes classrooms, mine machine and simulation laboratories, mine emergency operations equipment, a publication distribution centre and residence hall. It also offers a Technical Information Center and Library containing an extensive collection of research and study materials, including periodicals, books, archival material, maps, technical reports and more than 1000 historical photos.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/12082016/us-msha-academy-celebrates-ruby-anniversary-2218/