New Mexico Bureau of Mine Safety
Mining is an essential element in the New Mexico economy. The Bureau of Mine Safety’s
(BMS) focus is to actively promote the safety of the miners of New Mexico. BMS trains
thousands of miners each year, including miners trained in Spanish language classes.
BMS training, involvement and initiatives have contributed to a superb safety record
in New Mexico.
Directed by the State Mine Inspector, the department is a state and federally funded organization providing services to New Mexico and its miners in the following areas:
- Mine Rescue and Emergency Response – Coordination of incident response, equipment and human resources
- Legislative Issues Relative to Miner Safety – Includes being the point of contact for the Governor’s office and the State Legislature on mine related issues and legislation.
- Mine Compliance Assessment and Courtesy Inspections – Communicating the legislated mining safety standards and ensuring compliance
- Safety and Health Training – Providing safety and health training to mine workers, contractors, as well as federal and state organizations involved in special mine‐related activities
- Certification of Coal Mine Officials – Developing and providing an examination process designed to certify qualified coal mine officials
- Safety Award, Other Education & Communication Programs – Safe Operator of the Year, Zero [accident] Frequency Awards, Small Mine Mentoring Program, BMS website and Informational Meetings are all BMS programs designed to further awareness and actively promote the safety of New Mexico’s miners. Actively engaged in guiding the annual New Mexico Mine Health and Safety Conference
- Coordination with the New Mexico Mine Safety Board (MSB) – This board promulgates the rules that affect the mining industry in the State of New Mexico