Newsletter...
August 2007
  • Register Now...For the 2008 Annual Meeting & Golf Tournament
  • 2008 MASC Workshop
  • 2008 Planning Session
  • MASC Board Meeting Notes
  • MSHA Program Bulletin
  • Congratulations!!
    Register Now...For the 2008 Annual Meeting & Golf Tournament
    We would like to invite you to join us for the 2007 MASC Annual Meeting & Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at The “Beautiful” Woodlands Golf & Country Club in Columbia, SC. The Annual Meeting presentations will begin at 10:00 am with the Business Session following (more details to follow). Lunch will be served at noon and golfers will tee off at approximately 1:00 pm. This event will provide an excellent networking opportunity for Associate and Regular Members. Please complete the registration form below and register a non-member Company Miner or Associate non-member in order to make this event a huge success!

    Meeting/Golf Tourn. Registration Fee…………………………………………………………...……$150.00

    Non-Golfer Registration Fee (Includes Meeting and Lunch) …………………………………….$ 50.00

    Team registrations also available...

    REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: September 28, 2007

    Registration and Sponsorship information can be found on the MASC Website at www.scmines.com [Top]

    2008 MASC Workshop
    The Mining Association of South Carolina (MASC) will launch its second annual workshop in March of 2008, and you are invited to participate. Last years participation made this event a huge success. We will be following the same general format, but, our primary goal is to provide more and better quality time for the suppliers to mix with a larger number of the producers. The event will be held at the Radisson hotel in Columbia. There will be dozens of interesting vendor displays, a number of elective break-out sessions on pertinent topics, and a few large group gatherings. In addition there will be ample time for mixing during meals and “social” periods, along with some desirable door prizes.

    As was the case in 2007, the producers will send a majority of their plant managers and engineers along with a variety of other personnel. In fact, the first day will be attended by persons from sales and quality as well as operations and engineering. You can see that this event will gather all those who select and use your products and services. And it will offer your company a better setting to showcase its wares, and a forum to visit with the individuals who make the decisions. We would like very much for you and your company to participate in this second annual event.

    Please mark your calendar for March 31st thru April 2nd, 2008, and choose from the three levels of participation. Then you will need to complete the enclosed form, and return it to the Association Office before Nov, 1st 2007. Or you can go to www.scmines.com to download registration information. Also, for those who choose to be a sponsor for the workshop, please complete the enclosed sponsorship form by selecting which event or events your organization would like to sponsor.

    Most suppliers will choose to set up an attractive display in one of the booths. However, you can also apply to make a presentation in one of the break-out sessions. There will be a limited number of these, and only the more interesting and pertinent topics will be selected. You can indicate the topic you would propose on your registration form. On the other hand, you would be welcome to simply attend and not display, nor present.

    If you have questions, please contact the MASC Association office at 803.772.5354, 800.438.7106 or via e-mail at chrissmith@as-irmo.com.

    We appreciate the support your company has been making to the mining industry in South Carolina. And again, we hope you will seriously consider being a part of this unique upcoming event. We are confident it is the right forum for you to build on your relationships with the SC mining community, and to explore for additional business opportunities.

    Sincerely,
    Doug Larson MASC Workshop Committee Chairman     [Top]

    2008 Planning Session
    Report of the Strategic Planning Session
    Mining Association of South Carolina

    August 10, 2007

    Facilitated By:
    Jon Pierce and Bill Tomes

    Overview

    The Board and committee chairs of the Mining Association of South Carolina met on Friday, August 10, 2007 for the purpose of determining the strategic direction of the Association. Specifically, the group discussed the Association’s mission and identified strategic issues. Goals and strategies were also established. A summary of the session, including a draft mission statement, follows.

    Mission

    Participants were asked to respond to two questions:

    What does the MASC exist to do?

    What would be the consequences if MASC did not exist?

    Board members shared their individual responses and then identified the common elements of the mission. Based on these common elements, Jon Pierce and Bill Tomes drafted a mission statement for the consideration of the Board. Responses to the questions are listed below.

    What does the MASC exist to do?

    • Give something back to SC
    • Concerted face to the public regarding mining
    • Bring unity and strength to the industry
    • Represent industry in the political arena
    • Monitor legislative issues for the industry
    • Monitor elements set forth in the Mining Act
    • Share best practices
    • Provide economic impact
    • Protect the image of the industry
    • Educate regulators/politicians
    • Collective voice
    • Bring new businesses to SC
    • Drive regulations to benefit mining
    • Educate industry personnel/membership
    • Provide a common forum for members/non-members
    • Protect interests of mining industry
    • Educate public
    • Marketing
    • Improve safety, health and environmental aspects of business

    Consequences if MASC did not exist?

    • Very weak voice
    • Increased operating costs
    • No lasting industry
    • Less informed industry • System of checks and balances out-of-line
    • Information/knowledge gap
    • Poor interaction with State agencies
    • Industry would have a bad name
    • Industry would be in disarray
    • Problems would not be solved
    • Unfair regulations passed
    • Individual companies’ efforts would overlap or be at cross purposes
    • More difficult to challenge organized opponents
    • Industry would be over-regulated
    • Missed business opportunities
    • Resources would not be shared
    • No voice for small operator
    • Industry would not be self-policed

    Common Elements

    • Educate
    • Advocate
    • Share/focus resources
    • Collaborate
    • Steer/influence
    • Accountability/shared responsibility
    • Monitor
    • Recruitment/participation

    Draft Mission Statements

    (Short version) The purpose of the MASC is to provide a unified voice for responsible mining in South Carolina.

    (Longer version #1) The purpose of the MASC is to provide a unified voice for responsible mining in South Carolina. This is accomplished by being good stewards of the natural and human resources entrusted to member organizations.

    (Longer version #2) The purpose of the MASC is to promote the mining industry in South Carolina through education and advocacy, while achieving sustainability of our state’s resources.

    Strategic Issues

    Participants were asked to individually identify and then share with the full group what they considered to be the three most critical issues facing MASC over the next three to five years. This process resulted in the identification of eleven strategic issues. In order to determine the relative importance of the issues the 10-4 ranking methodology was used. The issues are listed in ranked order with the total number of points allocated indicated in parentheses.

    1. Communication with legislators (24)
    2. Regulation/Permitting (23)
    • Personnel changes in regulatory agencies
    • Loss of historical perspective
    3. Growth (19)
    • Demographic changes
    • Development/zoning
    • Property values/land availability
    4. Public Funding (18)
    • Infrastructure
    5. Educational Methods (18)
    6. Participation (17)
    7. Community Involvement/PR (14)
    • Lack of information to local communities
    8. Resources (10)
    9. Succession in the MASC (5)
    10. Organized opposition (3)
    11. Consolidation of industry (2)

    Goals and Strategies

    For the top six ranked issues goals and strategies were established and identified. Primary responsibility for each of the strategies was also determined.

    Issue: Communication with legislators

    Goals:

    1. Influence their thinking and voting
    2. Increase public funding for infrastructure
    3. Legislate reasonable regulations

    Strategies:

    1. Increase participation in meeting with legislators (Kelly Smith will coordinate)
    • Legislative dinner - include all committee chairmen and make sure 25 attend, representing legislators’ districts
    • Involve both the House and Senate
    • Target House and Senate leadership
    2. Have legislators on-site (Individual companies; Kelly Smith will assist)
    3. MASC members participate in legislative functions (Kelly Smith will notify)
    4. Develop “fact cards” about mining industry impacts (Education committee)
    5. Educate mining personnel on how to address legislators (Association staff)
    6. Develop mass mailing capabilities (Association staff)
    7. Distribute DVD (Board to discuss)

    Issue: Regulation/Permitting

    Goals:

    1. Promulgate reasonable regulations
    2. Have a voice in the process
    3. Consistent application/interpretation

    Strategies:

    1. Each committee is expected to find a way to have input into the process (committee chairs)
    2. Review regulations and give feedback on technical aspects (Kelly Smith to distribute; committees respond)
    3. Encourage regulatory agencies to bring trainees on-site (individual companies)
    4. Share information about inspections (Individual companies send information to association staff; safety and health committee continue to review citations)

    Issue: Growth

    Goals:

    1. Be compatible with growth
    2. Strengthen relationships with neighbors/policy makers

    Strategies:

    1. Workshop to share best practices in working with neighbors (workshop committee)
    2. Invite groups that may oppose mining to association meetings to discuss issues (issue specific)
    3. Consider creating a PR campaign (Board to discuss)
    4. Create community/company partnerships (individual companies)

    Issue: Educational Methods

    Goals:

    1. Increased student knowledge/understanding of mining
    2. Increased community knowledge/understanding of mining and environmental impacts
    3. Increased mining personnel knowledge/understanding of best management practices
    4. Improved reputation of the mining industry
    5. Increased industry understanding of the benefits of MASC

    Strategies:

    1. Distribute DVD’s to schools (Association staff)
    2. Identify materials that could be used by schools (Education committee)
    3. Companies host school tours (individual companies)
    4. Distribute MASC newsletter to non-members (Association staff)
    5. Conduct seminars geared toward senior foreman through plant managers (Education committee)

    Issue: Participation in MASC

    Goals:

    1. Perpetuate MASC
    2. Increased participation in MASC activities
    3. Increased membership in targeted areas

    Strategies:

    1. See Growth Strategy #1 and Education Strategy #5
    2. Conduct seminar on first-line supervisor liability/responsibility under the Mining Act (Safety committee)
    3. Target potential associate members and invite them to exhibit at conference (Workshop committee)
    4. Invite non-members to make presentations at conferences and workshops Workshop committee)
    5. Conduct joint meetings with other organizations (Board to discuss)

    Jon Peirce & Bill Tomes, August 10, 2007.

    [Top]

    MASC Board Meeting Notes
    MASC Board Meeting
    Saturday, August 11, 2007
    8:30 AM
    DoubleTree Guest Suites
    Charleston, SC

    President McKnight welcomed the Board to Charleston and called the meeting to order.

    The Anti-Trust statement was reaffirmed.

    Treasurer Holmes reviewed the MASC Financial Report.

    A list of the unpaid MASC Regular and Associate Members was reviewed and assigned for board members to contact.

    REPORTS

    Environmental Committee
    Chairman Aultman updated the board on the status of proposed Water Withdrawal Permitting Legislation. Chairman Aultman indicated that no further action had taken place on the legislation since the last committee meeting on May 4, 2007.

    Board member Duckett indicated that the water withdrawal issue is important and far reaching and the association should possibly discuss it further during the Annual Meeting in October.

    Safety & Health Committee
    Chairman McKenzie was unable to attend. In her absence Treasurer Holmes provided and update of the Safety & Health Committee activities.

    Treasurer Holmes indicated that at their recent meeting the committee decided to form a chapter of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association in SC pending board approval.

    Treasurer Holmes then discussed the Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2007 (S-Miner) (HR 2768) and the Miner Health Enhancement Act of 2007 ( HR 2769). Holmes indicated that this legislation, in current form, should raise serious concern.

    Association Staff will send information on the proposed legislation to MASC Membership.

    The Board decided to begin planning an “MSHA Law” Seminar for supervisors and front line managers in September or October with Mark Savit, Patton & Boggs Law Firm.

    Aggregates Committee
    Chairman Larson discussed the recent Aggregate Committee meeting with Milt Flethcher, SCDOT Engineer, concerning utilization of lightweight aggregate for single surface treatment.

    Chairman Larson indicated that no response had been received from the letter sent from MASC to Danny Shealy, SCDOT Director of Construction, regarding the lightweight aggregate issue. Larson also indicated that Jim Feda is the point person for SCDOT and he needed to be contacted about the lightweight aggregate issue.

    Board Member and Committee liaison Joliff noted that the Aggregate Committee had been working jointly with members from the SC Asphalt and Pavement Association (SCAPA) on DOT technical issues and with board approval they would like to continue to do so.

    The lack of funding issue in the recently passed DOT Reform Bill was discussed at length.

    Workshop Committee
    Chairman Larson noted that the committee decided to have a total of six members on the Committee each serving two year terms, pending board approval. The board approved.

    Chairman Larson then reviewed 2008 MASC Workshop Registration Information and discussed rates for attendees.

    2007 Annual Meeting
    Executive Director Smith indicated that Registration and Sponsorships forms for the 2007 Annual Meeting at Woodlands Golf & Country Club, in Columbia, SC had been e-mailed and mailed to the membership. He also noted that there would be a golf tournament held in conjunction with the meeting.

    Smith then asked the board to provide additional presentation topics for the meeting in addition to MSHA and DHEC presentations.

    The following presentation topics were submitted:

    Water Withdrawal and Permitting-Savannah River System (Gene Eison). Board Member Duckett will make initial contact.

    “The World After 9/11” John Capers, Austin Powder Company. Association Staff will contact.

    The board then agreed to change the time of the business session to 9:30 am and begin the presentations at 10:00 am.

    Association Staff was also asked to indicate on the registration form that team registrations were also available for the golf tournament.

    The board also decided on a deli buffet for lunch.

    2007 Holiday Dinner
    The board decided to remain with the same arrangement for the MASC Holiday Dinner. The Dinner would be held on the first Friday in December at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

    SEWE Exhibit
    The board decided to continue participation and exhibiting in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE).

    MASC Membership

    To approve for membership in MASC

    Sunbelt Rentals, Pump & Power Services

    Atlantic Sand Company, LLC

    [Top]

    MSHA Program Bulletin
    SUBJECT: Clarification of Requirements of Conveyor Start-Up Warnings for §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201

    Scope
    Metal and Nonmetal mine operators, miners and miners' representatives, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel, and other interested parties should have this information.

    Purpose
    MSHA is issuing this Program Information Bulletin (PIB) to emphasize to the metal and nonmetal mining industry the requirements for conveyor start-up warnings involving both manually-operated and automatically operated conveyor belt systems at surface and underground mining locations.

    Information
    Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 C.F.R.) § 56.14201, which applies to conveyor systems at all surface metal and nonmetal mines and 30 C.F.R. § 57.14201, which applies to conveyor systems at all underground metal and nonmetal mines, require that conveyor operators either: (a) visually check to make certain all persons are in the clear before starting a conveyor that is visible for its entire length from the starting switch; or (b) provide a visual or audible warning within 30 seconds before starting a conveyor that is not visible for its entire length from the starting switch.

    MSHA interprets §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201 to apply to conveyors that are operated manually and to conveyors that are operated automatically, including automatic systems controlled by a computer, such as a programmable logic controller. Thus, MSHA enforcement personnel will inspect all automatically operated conveyors to determine compliance with §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201.

    Prior to belt motion occurring, automatically operated conveyor systems are incapable of recognizing whether all persons are in the clear along the entire length of a conveyor. For this reason, automatically operated conveyor systems must provide a visual or audible warning before the conveyor is started.

    In determining how to apply the standards to conveyors that are automatically stopped and started as part of a regular production cycle, MSHA enforcement personnel should, on a case-by-case basis, consider the period of time the conveyor is stopped. If such stoppages are for periods of sufficient duration that persons located in the vicinity of the conveyor may reasonably perceive that the conveyor has been turned off intentionally and would anticipate that a warning will be given before the conveyor is restarted, enforcement personnel should apply §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201 and take appropriate enforcement action when the required warnings are not given.

    Questions concerning the application of §§56.14201 or 57.14201 to automatically operated conveyor systems should be directed to the appropriate MSHA District Manager for clarification.

    Background
    As a result of technological advancements in conveyor belt systems, questions were raised as to whether automatically operated conveyor systems are required to comply with the requirements of 30 C.F.R. §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201.

    Authority
    Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. and 30 CFR §§ 56.14201 and 57.14201, Conveyor Start-up warnings

    Contact Person(s)
    Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
    Neal Merrifield, (202) 693-9645
    E-mail: mailto:merrifield.neal@dol.gov

    Internet Availability
    This PIB may be viewed on the World Wide Web by accessing MSHA's home page (www.msha.gov) by choosing "Compliance Info" and "Program Information Bulletin."

    Distribution
    MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
    Miners' Representatives
    Metal and Nonmetal Mine Operators
    Special Interest Groups

    MSHA, August 10, 2007.

    [Top]

    Congratulations!!
    John Aultman, Vulcan Materials, has been selected chairman of the MASC Environmental & Permitting Committee.

    Congratulations John! [Top]

    If you would like to be removed from this newsletter distribution please email contact@scmines.com

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