The Colorado School of Mines (CSOM) received the largest chunk of the earmark, $224,006, for its efforts to provide quality training to mine rescue teams. CSOM’s training will focus on the development of advanced mine rescue skills using multiple training modalities, including pre-shift and on-shift mine examiner training to support the state’s small mine rescue teams.
The University of Arizona will receive the next largest amount, $167,599, for the development of an underground miner training program on emergency self-escape via core competencies, experiential learning and virtual reality exercises.
The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has been given a total of $156,513 in funding for material development and a computer-based, instructor-led, e-learning program for mine emergency preparedness for mine rescue instructors and new team members.
Receiving $141,002 is the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Career Centers, which will use its monies to continue to develop an interactive computer program to train and prepare miners on mine emergency preparedness, specifically escape procedures from outby areas.
With its $134,069, the University of Alaska will provide mine rescue support and training through the combined use of unmanned ground vehicles and aircraft systems.
Back in the Lower 48, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources was selected as a recipient of funding totaling $126,811 for its efforts regarding training programs and materials for mine emergency prevention, risk-readiness assessment and emergency preparedness.
Finally, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy will receive $50,000 in grant money to provide mine emergency preparedness training for mine emergency firefighting.
Brookwood-Sago training grants are awarded for a 12-month performance period, and applicants must be states or nonprofit entities.
The grants program was established by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act (MINER Act) of 2006.
