[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 46056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18898]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0095]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Explosive Materials 
and Blasting Units (Pertains Only to Metal and Nonmetal Underground 
Mines Deemed To Be Gassy)

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information 
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A). This program helps to assure that requested data can be 
provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial 
resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, 
and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be 
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration 
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection for 
Explosive Materials and Blasting Units (pertains only to metal and 
nonmetal underground mines deemed to be gassy).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before October 2, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements 
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket 
number MSHA-2015-0024.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the 
East elevator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, 
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 
202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Under Title 30 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Parts 7 
and 15, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) evaluates and 
approves explosive materials and blasting units as permissible for use 
in the mining industry. However, since there are no permissible 
explosives or blasting units available that have adequate blasting 
capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, 30 CFR 57.22606(a) 
outlines the procedures for mine operators to follow when using 
nonapproved explosive materials and blasting units. The standard 
requires mine operators of Class III metal or nonmetal mines to notify 
MSHA in writing prior to their use of nonapproved explosive materials 
and blasting units. MSHA then evaluates the non-approved explosive 
materials and determines whether they are safe for use in a gassy 
environment.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Explosive Materials and Blasting Units (pertains 
only to metal and nonmetal underground mines deemed to be gassy). MSHA 
is particularly interested in comments that:
     Evaluate whether the collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information has practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of 
the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
     Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and
     Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses.
    The information collection request will be available on http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any 
information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed. 
Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made 
available on www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov.
    The public may also examine publicly available documents at USDOL-
Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401, 
Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th 
floor via the East elevator.
    Questions about the information collection requirements may be 
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Explosive Materials and Blasting Units (pertains only to metal and 
nonmetal underground mines deemed to be gassy). MSHA has updated the 
data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden 
hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request.
    Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved 
collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    OMB Number: 1219-0095.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 1.
    Annual Burden Hours: 1 hour.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $6.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: July 28, 2015.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-18898 Filed 7-31-15; 8:45 am]
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