About the NIOSH Mining Program

Our Mission

The mission of the NIOSH Mining Program is to eliminate mining fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through relevant research and impactful solutions. We are a program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Our Research Facilities

Researchers conduct the majority of the work in the mining research program at two sites located near Pittsburgh, PA, and Spokane, WA. In addition to laboratories for researching mining issues, including dust, noise, gases, ergonomics, electrical systems, worker behavior, and geological stresses in mining environments, these sites house many truly unique facilities and labs for addressing a wide range of mine safety and health problems.

Our Research Partners

We collaborate with many national and international partners, including mining companies, industry associations, enforcement agencies, labor unions, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and academic institutions. NIOSH is part of the Global Mining Research Alliance which partners with mining research organizations in Canada, South Africa, and Australia. This alliance brings complementary capabilities together and allows partners to better leverage their resources in finding the solutions to mining health and safety problems.

Funding Opportunities

To complement our intramural research program, we sponsor research and training through extramural programs. The creativity and special resources available in the extramural community make these programs an important component in achieving a national goal to have safe jobs and healthy workers.

The Mining Program funds specific research initiatives from time to time and announces them on the funding opportunities page.

Career Opportunities

Information about NIOSH career opportunities may be found through the following links:

  • Current Employment Opportunities at NIOSH's Mining program
  • Current Employment Opportunities at NIOSH

Our History

We have a long and rich history of advancing mine worker safety and health. Our program began in 1910 when Congress created the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Acts of 1969 and 1977 charged the Bureau of Mines with conducting mine safety and health research. Both NIOSH and the Bureau of Mines have contributed significant safety improvements to the mining industry.

Detailed history of the NIOSH Mining Program.


Page last reviewed: December 2, 2019
Page last updated: June 2, 2017