Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1997. The USBM’s work in mining productivity improvement, also responsible for the saving of many lives, was discontinued.

Since becoming part of the CDC, the Mining Program has continued to build on the USBM’s excellent foundation for improving mine health and safety. The contributions of the USBM to improved safety in mines are unquestioned in a number of areas including fire and explosion control, ventilation practices, rock dusting, explosives, methane control, airborne dust control, and miner training (NRC, 1990). Consistent with the vision and mission of NIOSH, the Mining Program now works to improve safety and health at mining sites through research and prevention and to eliminate occupational diseases, injuries, and fatalities from mining.

Since 2000, the Mining Program began transitioning into what it describes as a “program-based” approach (NIOSH, 2005a). The Mining Program currently conducts research in seven strategic priorities to direct its research activities and resources: (1) respiratory disease prevention; (2) noise-induced hearing loss prevention; (3) cumulative musculoskeletal injury prevention; (4) traumatic injury prevention; (5) mine disaster prevention and control; (6) ground failure prevention; and (7) potential adverse outcomes from changing conditions in the industry.