Mining Equipment Industry Overview

Stay abreast of mining equipment industry to comply with state and national regulations
By Elizabeth Gibson Take advantage of a mining equipment industry overview to obtain general information for potential mining businesses. Finding a reputable mining equipment manufacturer becomes much easier when you study the industry before buying. Sometimes you might want to conduct transactions directly with mining equipment suppliers instead. Studying the mining industry helps you make these types of decisions to help you stay within your budget.

General information on the mining industry comes from several sources such as governmental agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey. State agencies also provide mining information specific to the mining industries in that state. Other organizations specialize in mining and extraction techniques only for a specific mineral or product such as gravel. Each industry has general and specific equipment that you should research before purchasing.

1. Study laws that apply to mining equipment.

2. Search for mining equipment suppliers.

3. Join associations that provide information on mining equipment.

Study the laws governing the mining equipment industry

Whether mining underground or on the surface, many regulations surround the mining business. You must ensure you have legal title to the ground you are mining, protect the safety and health of your employees and practice good pollution prevention controls. General federal regulations govern the industry, but each state has additional controls that also apply.
Try:  The Bureau of Land Management lists general laws regulating mining claims. The Office of Surface Mining website contains the contents of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, which regulates surface mining, reclamation of abandoned mines and minimizing environmental impacts of mining. The Department of Labor discusses the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, which protects employees of mining companies.

Join mining associations to keep abreast of mining equipment industry news

Mining associations monitor developments in the industry that could impact your operation. These organizations generally keep track of legal trends that may affect how you do business. They also watch developments of new mining equipment that could make a mining operation more efficient.
Try:  The Mine Safety and Health Administration provides a state-by-state listing of mining associations and societies. The National Mining Association acts as an advocate for mining companies, mining equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, mining equipment suppliers and others associated with the industry. The Silver Users Association represents companies that make, sell and distribute products in which silver is an essential ingredient.

Look for the best sources of mining supplies

Many mining equipment manufacturers and suppliers do business in the United States. Some carry specialized mining tools, such as gravel mining equipment or coal mining equipment. Others make or sell mine equipment that works for any type of mining operations.
Try:  P&H MinePro Services manufactures heavy equipment for mining including electric shovels, front end loaders, hydraulic excavators and drills. Rock & Dirt provides a service in which it connects buyers and sellers of new and used mining equipment, from crushers and grinding mills to bulldozers and excavators. Fletcher Mining Equipment manufactures underground mining equipment such as roof bolters and scaling machines.

• Carefully study your environmental compliance obligations for your mining project. Though extensive protection for mining workers exists, federal environmental laws relating to mining remain general. State regulations offer more environmental protection than do federal laws, so studying them prior to purchasing mining equipment can keep you from making a bad business decision.