MSHA
Part 46 or Part 48: where does a mine fit?
Start with the commodity and operation, then check the applicable training rule before building a training plan.
Published by Mine-Pro · Surface mining operations and recordkeeping
Start with the operation
Part 46 covers specified surface nonmetal operations including sand, gravel, surface stone and surface limestone. Other surface mines and underground mines generally fall under Part 48. A company's name or the equipment it uses does not decide the part; the actual mine and commodity do.
Keep the determination visible
Record the mine ID, commodity, surface or underground status and the rule used in the site's training plan. Revisit the decision when operations or commodities change. Training, trainer requirements and recordkeeping should follow the applicable rule for that location.
In practice
A surface sand pit starts its training review with Part 46; an underground operation should review Part 48 separately.