The Mines, Quarries and Explosives Policy Section, within the Policy Group of the Health and Safety Executive, oversees and administers legislation relating to the mining industry.
The hazardous nature of mining means that there is a significant amount of legislation relating to specific hazards encountered in mining activities. This legislation can replace or be in addition to the more general health and safety law applicable in all industries including mines.
The Coal Mines (Control of Inhalable Dust) Regulations (SI 2007/1894) 
came into force on 1 October 2007. The regulations establish a goal-setting framework which imposes duties on mine owners, mine managers, employers and employees to protect persons at work below ground in coal mines from risks to their health arising from exposure to inhalable dust. They replaced the Coal Mines (Respirable Dust) Regulations 1975 (RDR).
These proposed regulations are mainly aimed at revisions to explosives regulations but would also revoke certain special or local regulations relating to individual mines. The regulations identified for revocation refer to mines that are now abandoned or to systems at working mines that are no longer used or which can be covered by more modern consents. The proposals can be found in a consultative document. Consultation ended on 1 February 2008 and the regulations, with amendments resulting from the consultation exercise, are expected to come into force on 1 October 2008.
For information and advice on mining legislation please contact:
Andy Miller,
7NW Rose Court,
2 Southwark Bridge,
London SE1 9HS
Telephone 020 7717 6345
E mail andy.miller@hse.gsi.gov.uk