Considers S. 2972 and similar H.R. 8989, both titled the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966, and related S. 996 and S. 3094, to establish Federal mine safety standards and a program of inspections and regulations enforcement. Includes Interior Dept report "Health and Safety Study of Metal and Nonmetal Mines, Vol. I" (p. 115-190).

The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes.

This SLAM risks publication is about risk assessment and the prevention of mining accidents.