Coal mines can use regular electrical equipment above the water table

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to remove rules that require special electrical equipment in coal seams above the water table. This means coal mines will no longer need to use explosion-proof equipment in these specific areas.

For decades, coal mines had to use specialized, explosion-proof electrical equipment in all underground operations, regardless of whether explosive gases were likely. This rule change acknowledges that coal seams above the water table are less likely to contain methane gas. It could reduce equipment costs for some mine operators.