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Welcome to the Office of Mines and Minerals'
Mine Safety and Training Division

The Office of Mines and Minerals' Mine Safety and Training Division is charged with the health and safety concerns of the state's coal mines and their employees. In addition, the division now regulates the blasting, explosives and aggregate programs for Illinois, which were previously administered by the Blasting and Explosives Division that was consolidated with Mine Safety and Training on October 15, 2004. One way the Mine Safety and Training completes this is to conduct health and safety training programs throughout the year for mining employees. Questions regarding Mine Safety and Training certification should be directed, via email, to Wendy Koehler or by phone, 217-558-4925.

Visit our Training and Certifications page for more information. The Miners' Examining Board meets monthly to admininster tests for the First Class, and Shaft and Slope Worker papers. Scheduled test dates are set monthly for the Benton and Springfield offices, and can be found on the offices Training and Certifications page.

To view The Illinois Coal Mining Act click here, or follow the link in the right navigation link, "- OMM State Acts/Rules and Regulations."

The division trains and certifies State Mine Inspectors to monitor safety conditions at the mine sites, and operates a state laboratory for analysis of mine gas and dust particles, coal composition, and water and soil. The Division also trains licensed and certified blasters, as well as others who handle, store or use explosive products in Illinois.

The Mine Safety and Training Division maintains four mine rescue stations throughout Illinois and has rescue teams made up of industry personnel trained to aid mining situations and problems which may occur. The division also has a mine rescue team completely comprised of State Mine Safety Inspectors and an emergency search team.