NIOSH Underground Mine Evacuation Technologies and Human Factors Research

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) is to solicit meritorious applications from U.S. academic institutions that offer graduate degree programs in both mining and explosives engineering. This NOFO seeks to support research specifically focused on underground mine evacuation technologies and human factors related to mine emergencies, building on NIOSH's efforts to meet the mandates of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, which aims to advance the safety and health of mine workers in the United States. Research priorities include developing new wireless communication devices and methodologies; developing training, systems, and tools to facilitate miner self-escape; and continuing to improve the design of refuge alternatives. Possible research topics of interest may include other health and safety issues in related areas, particularly those associated with mine emergencies caused by mine fires and explosions. Interested applicants are encouraged to consider aspects of their graduate degree programs in mining and explosives engineering, including unique facilities, that could best support research related to mine emergencies and other aspects of the MINER Act. A key factor of this announcement is the congressional intention that the award goes to a U.S. academic institution that (1) offers an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)-accredited undergraduate degree program in mining or mineral engineering (under the Mining and Similarly Named Engineering Programs criteria) and (2) offers graduate degree programs in both mining and explosives engineering.