The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) has announced a rulemaking process aimed at updating regulations for Tourist Mine Rules within the Mine Safety Training Program. The initiative seeks to clarify regulatory oversight for tourist mine conveyance systems, such as elevators, specifying that the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), which is part of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, holds this responsibility.
According to DRMS, “The primary reason for initiating the rulemaking is to amend existing DRMS rules relating to Tourist Mine Conveyance systems or more commonly known as elevators, and to clarify that the agency with regulatory oversight over conveyance systems is the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), a Division of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.”
The proposed changes require all conveyances in tourist mines to have a valid certificate of operation issued by OPS. Other amendments focus on increasing inspections and reporting by Tourist Mine Operators, improving documentation practices regarding mine conditions, establishing requirements for communication systems, clarifying enforcement procedures by MSTP, and ensuring that tourist mines do not simultaneously operate as active mining sites extracting materials.
“The Rules also clarify that conveyances located in Tourist Mines must receive a valid certificate of operation issued by OPS. In addition, the proposed rule revises areas of the existing Rules that need correction, general updating, or to reflect current practice and procedure of the MSTP. Substantive amendments include increased Tourist Mine Operator inspections and reporting, documentation of Tourist Mine conditions and requirements for Mine Operators to maintain documentation, requirements for communications systems, clarifying MSTPs enforcement process and procedure, and to clarify that Tourist Mines cannot also operate as an active mine extracting or producing materials,” DRMS stated.
Those interested in participating in the rulemaking can find more information on how to become involved through the DRMS website’s section on rules and regulations. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to attend a hybrid stakeholder meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 13 at 9 a.m., either virtually or at 1313 Sherman St., Room 318 in Denver. Details about virtual participation will be available online.
A formal virtual-only rulemaking hearing will follow on Wednesday, November 19 at 9:00 a.m., with access details posted on DRMS’ website. Written comments from the public may be submitted ahead of this hearing according to instructions provided online.
