Which organization typically regulates mining safety standards?

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is the organization responsible for regulating safety standards specifically within the mining industry. Established under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, MSHA's primary mission is to promote safe and healthy workplaces for miners by enforcing compliance with safety regulations and conducting inspections of mining operations. This is crucial as mining can be particularly hazardous, involving risks such as cave-ins, explosions, and exposure to harmful substances.

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) covers a broad range of workplace safety regulations across many industries, MSHA focuses exclusively on mining. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals primarily with environmental regulations and pollution control, whereas the Department of Labor (DOL) oversees various labor laws but does not specifically regulate mining safety. Thus, MSHA's specialized focus makes it the correct answer for regulating mining safety standards.