Florida Mine Safety Program

09/16/2026

U.S. Department of Energy is investing $73 million across four Mine of the Future projects to establish real-world testing grounds for advanced mining technologies. NMA member Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT) was selected to develop a national testbed focused on next-generation digital, connectivity and automation technologies for surface and underground mining. The initiative will help move innovation from the lab into the field while strengthening U.S. mining capabilities and workforce development.

09/15/2026

Haul trucks are a critical part of many mining operations, and safe operation depends on awareness, communication, and consistent procedures.

Watch our haul truck safety video for practical reminders you can share with your crew:

Haul truck safety starts with awareness, communication, and followi...

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

A look back at the Florida Delegation during W. Ben Hart’s tenure with the program.

These photos were taken at the National Mine Safety and Health Academy in Beaver, West Virginia, where the group attended trainings, gave presentations, and submitted videos and program materials for instructor competitions.

The delegation included members of the Florida Mine Safety Program, MSHA Educational Field and Small Mine Services, and colleagues from other State Grants Programs who became part of the group over the years.

Pictured across these photos are Jimmy Paxton, Lee Paxton, W. Ben Hart, CMSP, Karen Miller, CMSP, Ken Corley, CMSP, Tammy Johnson, David Johnson, Nori Ortiz, CMSP, Rick Ooley, CMSP, Clyde McMillian, Nanette Clark, Kevin Jones, and Ann Martin.

These early years reflect the collaboration, learning, and friendships that helped shape the program and its work for decades to come.

09/14/2026

A few moments from years of competition, training, and teamwork.

The Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response and Training Competition brought together teams and safety professionals to practice skills, work through challenging scenarios, and learn from one another.

Looking back through these photos means seeing more than competition results. It means seeing years of preparation, friendships, familiar faces, and a mining community that continued showing up for safety.

Thank you to every team, competitor, volunteer, judge, sponsor, exhibitor, and supporter who has been part of it.

09/13/2026

Mine rescue teams train for the moments no one wants to face.

They volunteer their time to prepare for emergencies where the lives of fellow miners may depend on their ability to work together, stay focused, and make the right decisions under pressure.

Trust. Teamwork. Precision. Safety. Those words reflect what mine rescue demands, both in competition and in real response situations.

As we look back at past competitors, we recognize the commitment behind every team. The hours of training, the responsibility they accept, and the willingness to be there for their fellow miners when it matters most.

09/12/2026

Mine safety has always been about people.

The miners doing the work. The trainers sharing their experience. The rescue teams preparing for emergencies. The safety professionals asking the extra question. The contractors and operators making time for training.

The Florida Mine Safety Program has had the opportunity to work alongside people throughout Florida’s mining community for more than four decades. That commitment to learning from one another is something worth recognizing.

09/11/2026

Mine rescue readiness is built long before a team is called to respond.

Training, communication, equipment checks, and repeated practice give teams the foundation they need to work together when every decision matters. The Florida Mine Safety Program has been proud to support the people who continue putting in that work year after year.

To every mine rescue team that trains, competes, and stays ready, thank you for your commitment to the mining community.

09/10/2026

On May 19, 2026, at 9:50 p.m., Zachary Wolfe, a 34-year-old assistant shift foreman with 13 years of mining experience, died when a large section of rib fell and pinned him to the mine floor.

The accident occurred because there were inadequate policies and procedures in place to support or otherwise control the mine ribs where miners work or travel.

Read the final report: https://www.msha.gov/data-reports/fatality-reports/2026/may-19-2026-fatality/final-report

09/10/2026

Register now to attend the Southeast Mine Safety & Health Conference!

Where: Conference Center at Ross Bridge, 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover, AL 35226
When: October 28 to October 30, 2026

Register to attend here: https://southeastmineconf.org/