The new MSHA Silica Rule is here – going into effect on April 8, 2026 – and with it, stricter exposure limits, tougher sampling requirements, and higher stakes for compliance. For underground mining operations, meeting these standards isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your team and keeping production running at full capacity.
Midwest’s MineKleen® Plus System delivers a proven, science-backed solution that not only meets MSHA silica dust standards but also outperforms traditional dust suppression methods.
A Shift in Regulation That Demands a Shift in Strategy
In April 2024, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) finalized a long-anticipated respirable crystalline silica exposure rule. The regulation:
- Lowers the permissible exposure limit (PEL) to 50 µg/m³ over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)
- Sets an action level at 25 µg/m³
- Applies to coal, metal, and nonmetal operations, including aggregates, sand, and industrial minerals
MSHA now requires that engineering controls, not PPE, serve as the first line of defense. Compliance dates are:
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Water trucks, while common in mining operations, no longer meet compliance expectations under the new MSHA silica rule.
- Water evaporates quickly in hot or dry conditions
- It fails to control fine particulates like PM10 and PM2.5
- It often cannot reduce respirable silica to meet the new limits
Midwest has supported over 150 mine and quarry operations in developing compliant dust control strategies that go beyond reactive watering, delivering long-term compliance, improved safety, and reduced operational costs.
Why MineKleen® Plus Works
MineKleen® Plus is scientifically formulated in Midwest’s lab for exceptional dust suppression performance. Its advanced chemistry binds, encapsulates, and agglomerates silica dust for total control effectiveness, dramatically extending the service life of mine roads.
Compared to water or temporary suppressants, MineKleen® Plus:
- Reduces dust emissions by up to 95%
- Cuts application frequency by 50–90%
- Stabilizes surfaces using both adhesive and cohesive binding mechanisms
Paired with the MineKleen® Sprayer, a purpose-built underground application system, the solution can be transported into nearly any shaft for seamless, efficient dust control.
Real-World Results: Independent Monitoring Confirms Dust Reductions
Between October 2024 and January 2025, a large underground mine operation requested a trial to implement the MineKleen Underground Dust Control System to evaluate the potential reduction of Silica dust levels. Midwest conducted the trial by supplying the mine operations (1) MineKleen Plus dust suppressant (2) MineKleen Sprayer for applications and (3) a 6 week trial program. The trial had 7 specific areas in the underground mine. An on-site Industrial Hygienist at an underground mining operation conducted independent monitoring to measure silica dust levels before (baseline) and after applying MineKleen® Plus.
The total reduction and average reduction of Respirable and Silica Dust were impressive:
Silica mg/m3
| Baseline | MK+ | Reduction | |
| Location 1 | 0.0533 | 0.0064 | -88% |
| Location 2 | 0.0520 | 0.0200 | -62% |
| Location 3 | 0.0685 | 0.0247 | -64% |
| Location 4 | 0.0685 | 0.0264 | -62% |
| Location 5 | 0.1970 | 0.0414 | -79% |
| Location 6 | dust monitor failed | ||
| Location 7 | area not part of trial | ||
| Location 8 | 0.1457 | 0.0574 | -61% |
| Average | -69% | ||
Notes from the results:
- The average reduction of Silica dust was 69%.
- All areas saw improvement that either enabled the Mine Operations to achieve the MSHA Silica Rule or significantly closer.
- The trial was a 6-week period and the Mine Operations learned how the program would work to achieve and maintain compliance.
All monitoring was conducted using standard industrial hygiene sampling equipment and validated against Occupational Exposure Limits.
Note: All customer names, site identifiers, and operational details are withheld to maintain confidentiality. These results demonstrate the proven effectiveness of MineKleen Plus under real-world mining conditions.
Custom Design Means Standard Compliance
The strength of MineKleen® Plus doesn’t end with its chemistry. Midwest’s Proven Process® ensures every application is tailored to your mine’s unique needs:
- Discovery – We evaluate your mine’s conditions and challenges, factoring in site composition and the latest MSHA compliance requirements.
- Diagnose & Design – We identify problem areas, test solutions in our lab, and design an application program that meets your budget and compliance needs.
- Implementation – You choose whether Midwest applies the product or provides the plan for your team to apply it.
This customized approach ensures you achieve compliance without wasted resources, trial-and-error delays, or excessive costs.
Achieve New MSHA Silice Rule Success Today with MineKleen® Plus
With MineKleen® Plus, you can move beyond reactive compliance and into confident, long-term dust control. Protect your workforce, meet the latest MSHA silica standards, and keep operations running at peak productivity.
Contact Midwest today to discuss your mine’s needs and start building a compliant, effective dust suppression program.