At a glance
- NIOSH grants annual awards for advancements in mining health and safety innovations.
- You can submit applications via email, with the option for companies to self-nominate
- There are four categories: Coal, Metal, Industrial Minerals, and Stone, Sand & Gravel.
- The application process is simple and involves answering several targeted questions.
Background
The NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovation Award recognize mines and companies demonstrating exceptional efforts to enhance worker safety and health. Reviewers evaluate entries based on the innovative implementation of technology or improved processes that exceed mandatory requirements.
Eligible submissions should reflect continuing improvement initiatives addressing operational challenges rather than one-time solutions. Qualified mines and companies are welcome to self-nominate.
Eligibility
All Mining operations that introduce outstanding health and safety technologies are eligible, as are organizations significantly contributing to their implementation.
Technology manufacturers may submit nominations if they partner with a mine operator actively involved in developing and adopting the innovation.
Industry Sectors
There are four sector-specific awards given each year:
- Coal Mining (in collaboration with national Mining Association [NMA])
- Metal Mining (in collaboration with NMA)
- Industrial Minerals (in collaboration with Essential Minerals Association [EMA])
- Sand, Stone and Gravel (in collaboration with National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association [NSSGA])
Submission Deadline
Submissions must be complete by August 15, 2026. The NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research will monitor all applications and acknowledge those submitted by the deadline.
Submission Process
To nominate a company, email mining@cdc.gov, specifying the relevant award sector and address the following questions:
- What problem was addressed?
- What is the technology and its operational method?
- How was the technology modified and evaluated for your specific application?
- What steps were taken to implement the technology at your mine?
- What health and safety benefits have been realized or are anticipated?
- Which mining operation or company is utilizing the technology?
- Who is the primary contact for this submission? (Include name, email address, phone number).
Supporting materials such as images and diagrams are optional to facilitate understanding of the technology. Submissions do not need to be elaborate and may be written in basic language. NIOSH will request further clarification if needed during the review process.