In honor of National Miner’s Day, we salute all of our clients and friends in the mining industry. DOL and MSHA officials marked the day with statements of appreciation. Likewise, the National Mining Association issued a statement recognizing its members that had recently won awards for safety, environmental and technological accomplishments.

Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta wrote, “On National Miners Day, we recognize and celebrate miners for all they do to maximize our natural resources and make our modern life possible. Mining is a source of good, family-sustaining jobs. At the Department of Labor, we are committed to ensuring miners have safe and healthy working conditions so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each shift. Today, and every day, I thank our miners for their hard work and dedication, which strengthens our nation.”

MSHA Assistant Secretary David Zatezalo recognized the day with his first blog post since coming into office very recently. He wrote:

Today is National Miners Day − a day to recognize and appreciate the nearly 300,000 men and women who work in America’s mines.

I’m proud to say that I have been a miner and worked with miners for most of the past four decades, as a laborer, foreman, manager, and, eventually, CEO. Now, as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, I am honored to salute the miners of America on behalf of the agency that strives to keep them safe.

Miners are at work in every state, extracting coal, gold, salt, limestone, granite, copper, iron, zinc, gravel, and dozens of other essential stones and minerals. They supply the raw materials for much of the energy we depend on as well as our roads, our electronics, and many household products that we use every day (even toothpaste).

Congress designated December 6 as National Miners Day in 2009 to recognize those contributions. At the Mine Safety and Health Administration, we honor America’s miners every day by working to keep them safe. I will work with all stakeholders to instill a culture of safety at all mines.