Each year the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals works with the Illinois mining industry to address safety and health concerns. Through the Accident Prevention Program, Agency personnel conduct "on the job" mine site safety presentations and talks. These contacts, combined with subjects presented in 30 CFR parts 46 and 48 Annual Refresher training, allow for several opportunities to discuss mine safety with the same personnel (miners) at a mining operation, thereby reinforcing safety training messages.

The agency provides certification training and testing for selected positions of responsibility within the State’s coal industry. Coal industry employees who work in a supervisory capacity conduct pre-shift examinations or perform certain tasks such as, handling explosives or hoist operators must be deemed competent and pass an examination administered by the Agency.

Illinois provides mine rescue services for the Illinois mining industry through four mine rescue stations located in Benton, DuQuoin (surface mine rescue team), Harrisburg, and Springfield and Ottawa. .

For more program information contact Mr. Art Rice at (618) 439-9111 ext. 237 or email at Art.Rice@Illinois.gov.