Mining provides a large part of the energy and raw materials that feed this nation's economy. Copper pipe, concrete, and window glass serve as well known examples of the reliance on minerals in modern society. Less appreciated, but as important, are the hundreds of mined commodities that are an integral and necessary part of everyday products, ranging from medicines and computers to carpet and paper. Coal is a major portion of the country's energy mix today, as it will likely continue to be in a future hydrogen-based economy. The domestic mining industry also provides strategic minerals that are important for the nation's security. The processes to recover these mineral commodities are among the most demanding and complex in an industrial society, and historically this inherently dangerous industry has had the highest risks of fatality and injury. Our vision is to deliver on the nation's promise of safety and health at work for all people through research and prevention, and our mission is to eliminate occupational diseases, injuries, and fatalities from the mining workplace through a focused program of research and prevention. Our progress towards achieving our vision and fulfilling our mission is a major component of this review being conducted by the National Academy of Science. The information compiled in this web site tells the story of how we assess the safety and health needs of the mining industry, operationalize these needs into a focused program of research, and translate the research outputs into practice. Substantial evidence of our progress towards the ultimate goal of eliminating occupational disease and injury from the mining workplace is presented to document the impact of the research. |
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