Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Energy
 
Board
Department of Energy
 
chapter
Safety and Health Regulations for Mineral Mining [4 VAC 25 ‑ 40]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description The regulation addresses general safety requirements at surface and underground mineral mines, ground control, fire prevention and control, air quality and physical agents, explosives, mobile equipment, personal protection, electricity, materials handling, guards, mining near gas and oil wells and reporting requirements.
State Authority Code of Virginia Sections 45.1-161.3 , 45.1-161.294 , 45.1-161.305
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare with the least possible cost and intrusiveness to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth.

2. To provide for the safety and health of persons and property on or near mineral mines.

3. To encourage more productive mineral mines.
Meetings See all meetings (1) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Michael Skiffington  / Regulatory Coordinator
Address: Department of Energy
1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219-3402
Email Address: mike.skiffington@energy.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)692-3212    FAX: (804)692-3237    TDD: (800)828-1120
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory action to update regulatory code related to towing equipment Fast-Track Attorney General review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory action to reflect updated Code of Virginia related to the prohibited use of cyanide in mining operations
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/18/2024.
Regulatory action to reflect agency name change and recodification of Title 45.1 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/31/2022.
Amendments to implement Chapter 804 of the 2020 Acts of Assmebly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/12/2020.
Amendments resulting from periodic review to clarify and codify longstanding agency policy Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/25/2019.
Amendments to ensure compliance with federal standards Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/30/2018.
Amendments to repeal duplicative safety and health regulations Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/26/2013.
Technical Corrections and Amendments for Clarity, Consistency and Improved Safety Resulting from Periodic Review Final Stage withdrawn on 02/06/2009 prior to submission to DPB.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
4/4/2023 Filed Pending
5/10/2007 Agency Completed Amend