Mine Safety

Our Mission

The mission of Kentucky Division of Mine Safety is to ensure all coal miners in the Commonwealth are provided with a safe working environment; to provide effective education and training to coal miners to foster safe work practices; and to ensure that statutes and regulations regarding coal mining are enforced fairly and consistently throughout the Commonwealth.

Safety, training, and enforcement help to make Kentucky coal mines safe for all miners. Keeping this at the forefront of the Division's endeavors, Mine Safety will continue its efforts in protecting the coal industries number one resource, The Miner.

Kentucky Safety Milestone

The Energy and Environment Cabinet is pleased to announce a significant safety milestone in the Kentucky coal industry. The industry achieved a safety record of zero fatalities for the calendar year 2023. This achievement marks the first time in the history of the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety that the coal industry has marked such a record. The industry has actually accomplished a 21-month record with no fatalities since March 20, 2022.

The Cabinet extends its congratulations to the entire industry for their work in reaching this milestone. The industry's partnership and collaboration with the Cabinet's Division of Mine Safety and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, have helped to prioritize the well-being and safety of our miners.

The Cabinet acknowledges and appreciates the tireless work, training, and resources invested by each and every individual and corporate partner in the coal industry. Your contributions have made a significant difference, and this unprecedented safety record could not have been achieved without your support.

The Cabinet remains dedicated to continuing an exceptional safety record and to continuously improving the Division of Mine Safety's contribution to safety standards. We value our partnership with the coal industry and are committed to working collaboratively to create an even safer environment for all miners.

Once again, thank you for your integral role in this remarkable achievement.

With Profound Appreciation,
Timothy L. Fugate, Division Director

Mine Safety Certifications and Exams

Quality training and exams related to Kentucky coal mining through the Division of Mine Safety.

Safety Inspections and Licensing

Any owner, operator, lessee or licensee who assumes control of a mine, opens a new mine or reopens an abandoned mine during any calendar year must obtain a license before mining operations begin.

Mine Mapping

This program is sponsored by the U.K. Center for Applied Energy Research in coordination with the Office of Surface Mining’s Mine Map Repository in Pittsburgh and is operated out of the facilities of the DMS.

Mine Rescue

The Division of Mine Safety has a long and proud history of providing mine rescue services for underground mining operations in Kentucky.

paper on desk with some mining equipment

Accident Investigation

Our goal is to ensure that all coal miners in the Commonwealth have a safe work environment and to foster safe work practices that will ensure each coal miner returns home uninjured.

Drug Free Workplace Program

In December 2004, the Mine Substance Abuse Task Force was formed to address the increasing concern regarding drug and alcohol abuse in the mining industry.

Online Submittals and Forms

These are the most frequently requested forms. You can complete some forms online, while you can download and print all others.

Contact InformationLocations and contact numbers Mines Licensed in KY Mine Safety Review Commission MSRC Meeting Dates Sanctions ListCurrent MSRC Actions Training and Testing Schedules Drug Test Reporting Form Staff Training Request Form Laws Governing the Mining of Coal Annual Reports Quarterly Reports Emergency Awareness and Safety Alert Bulletins

Hotline

24-Hour Emergency Toll-Free Number

When a serious physical injury or loss of life occurs, within fifteen (15) minutes of having actual knowledge of the occurrence of the accident as defined in 30 C.F.R. sec. 50.2(h)(1) to (9), and having access to the communication system as required under KRS 352.630(3) is to be given to the department and to the representative of the miner, stating the particulars of the accident.

1-877-MINE-911 (1-877-646-3911)

​​O​​ur Mission