Mine Safety
Safety is and must always be the top priority at every mining operation. Today, mining is a safe occupation as a result of strict federal laws enforced by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), state laws, and the strong safety culture that exists at each 21st century mining operation. Our people are our priority.
Alabama’s mining industry takes safety seriously. Most miners, in all segments of our state’s mining industry, including clay, coal, gravel, lime, sand, and stone, receive their MSHA required new miner training and annual refresher training by instructors affiliated with the Alabama Mining Academy,
Alabama Mining Academy, which is located at Bevill State Community College’s Sumiton Campus, was established by the Alabama Legislature in 1985 to provide mine safety and health training for miners and to help the state’s mine operators develop and implement effective safety and training programs. Under the leadership of Ken Russell, Bevill State’s Director of Workforce Solutions, around 10,000 miners, contractors, and vendors receive training each year.
Community Safety
The Alabama Mining Association believes our greatest responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of our workforce and our neighbors in the communities where we operate. As caring corporate citizens, mining companies have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of the communities in which they operate. We encourage our members to treat community safety just as essentially as ensuring the safety of their employees. Just as we want every miner to return home from work safely, we want to ensure the safety of their families and our neighbors.
Communication is a key component of an effective safety plan and essential for maintaining productive, positive, and collaborative community relationships. The Alabama Mining Association has established the Community Safety & Responsibility Committee to help our members share best practices and find solutions to shared challenges.