Scheduled for November 13 - 16 in Pensacola, the event organised by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration will include technical workshops and industry presentations and will have space for exhibitors. More than 200 are expected from the coal, zinc, construction and aggregate sectors.

"We'll address critical issues that affect all facilities that process coal, metal and nonmetal mined products," MSHA health specialist Judith Etterer told International Longwall News.

"This conference is in its infancy but has really been growing and we have a terrific agenda."

The first day of the event, she noted, will focus on legal issues, including the agency's new penalty system and reporting procedures. Day two will be divided into two segments, with the morning devoted to mining groups and afternoon centring on technical issues.

The third day of the event will include a class for guests on Part 46 training as well as an awards ceremony.

Specifically, some of the presentations include:

Managing Public Communication During Crisis - Amy Louviere (MSHA) and Carol Raulston (National Mining Association);

Mine Emergency/Rescue Operations - Wes Shoff (Strata Safety);

Electrical Safety - Greg Carl Jackson (Gulf Power);

Changes in MSHA, Legal Perspective - Marco Rajkovich Jr and Noelle Holladay True (Rajkovich, Williams, Kilpatrick & True); and

Penalty Changes in MSHA, Compliance Perspective - Pete Montali (MSHA headquarters).

For more information on the event, including registration and a detailed schedule, visit the agency's website.