Prioritizing health and safety in the mining industry is something Chris Williamson takes personally. His grandfather suffered from black lung disease.

Now, as the Assistant Secretary of MSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Williamson is proud to be sharing more about the new silica exposure rule.

It goes into effect for our mines in 2026. It will limit exposure levels, and make free health screenings available for miners.

“I will say that in talking to some of our employees that work out of the Duluth district here, that they are having conversations with some of the mine operators. The operators are already putting in controls and doing evaluations,” Williamson said.

As for the health screenings, Williamson added, “It’s incredibly important to maintain an awareness about your health.”

He wants the community to understand more about the rule as well.

He spent time at Minntac on Monday, as part of the USW conference. He’ll be speaking at the conference later this week in Minneapolis.