Florida Mine Safety Program

09/29/2026

The Florida MSHA State Grants Program has proudly served Florida's mining industry for more than four decades, building a legacy of miner safety, education, training, mine rescue preparedness, and innovative program development.

The first Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) State Grants awarded to the State of Florida began in 1983 through the Florida Department of Education under the program direction of Tom Dunn, followed by Stan Simpson. In 1988, the program entered a new era when W. Ben Hart, CMSP, became Mining Program Director as the State Grants Program transitioned to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, (FDEP).

Under Ben Hart's leadership, the program expanded its reach and reputation throughout Florida's mining community. The program became widely recognized for delivering quality mine safety and health training, developing educational resources, producing training videos, and building strong partnerships throughout Florida's mining industry.

Karen Miller first joined the program in 2005 while employed at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, working alongside Ben Hart in support of the MSHA State Grants Program. Following the program's relocation in 2011 to Tallahassee State College, formerly Tallahassee Community College, Karen returned on August 1, 2012, to continue serving Florida's miners and mining communities.

Upon Ben Hart's retirement in 2013, Karen Miller assumed leadership as Mining Program Manager for the Florida MSHA State Grants Program. During her tenure, the program continued its tradition of excellence by expanding miner training opportunities, advancing mine rescue and emergency preparedness initiatives, coordinating mine rescue competitions and emergency response exercises, developing innovative educational programs, and producing nationally recognized training videos and safety resources.

While the Program's foundation was built on miner safety and health training, the years under Karen Miller's leadership saw significant growth in mine rescue activities, emergency response training, industry partnerships, and national recognition for training and educational video productions.

For 43 years, the Florida MSHA State Grants Program has operated from Tallahassee, becoming a respected and trusted resource for miners, mine operators, regulators, educators, and industry partners throughout the state and beyond. The success of the program has been built upon the dedication of countless instructors, mine rescue personnel, industry stakeholders, and safety professionals who have shared a common goal: protecting the health and safety of Florida's miners.

As Karen Miller begins her retirement journey effective September 30, 2026, she will be passing the torch of this remarkable 43-year legacy. Her retirement marks the end of an important chapter in Florida mining history while opening the door to an exciting new beginning.

Effective October 1, 2026, South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida, will become the new recipient of the Florida MSHA State Grants and assume leadership of the program. This transition represents not only a change in location but also a continuation of the program's longstanding mission to provide exceptional mine safety and health training, support mine rescue readiness, and promote a culture of safety across Florida's mining industry.

As one chapter closes and another begins, the foundation established by Tom Dunn, Stan Simpson, Ben Hart, and Karen Miller will continue to guide the program's future. Their combined contributions have helped shape generations of miners and safety professionals, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit Florida's mining industry for years to come.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Karen Miller for her years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to miner safety and wish her a rewarding and well-deserved retirement. At the same time, we congratulate South Florida State College as it takes the helm and carries forward the proud tradition of the Florida MSHA State Grants Program into its next chapter.

"The mission remains the same: ensuring every miner returns home safely at the end of every shift."

09/25/2026

09/22/2026

After more than three decades of service to the mining community, Karen M. Miller, CMSP, Mining Program Manager, will retire effective September 30, 2026.

Karen first joined the Florida Mine Safety program in 2005 while working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She returned to the program in 2012 following its move to Tallahassee State College and assumed leadership as Mining Program Manager in 2013.

Under Karen’s leadership, the program continued its longstanding commitment to miner safety and health training while expanding mine rescue activities, emergency response training, industry partnerships, competitions, educational programs, and nationally recognized training resources.

Karen’s career with the program has been defined by a commitment to the miners, trainers, rescue teams, and safety professionals she has worked alongside throughout Florida and beyond.

We are grateful for her leadership, her service, and the relationships she has built along the way. Please join us in congratulating Karen and wishing her a rewarding and well-deserved retirement.

09/16/2026

U.S. Department of Energy is investing $73 million across four Mine of the Future projects to establish real-world testing grounds for advanced mining technologies. NMA member Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT) was selected to develop a national testbed focused on next-generation digital, connectivity and automation technologies for surface and underground mining. The initiative will help move innovation from the lab into the field while strengthening U.S. mining capabilities and workforce development.

09/15/2026

Haul trucks are a critical part of many mining operations, and safe operation depends on awareness, communication, and consistent procedures.

Watch our haul truck safety video for practical reminders you can share with your crew:

Haul truck safety starts with awareness, communication, and followi...

09/14/2026

A look back at the Florida Delegation during W. Ben Hart’s tenure with the program.

These photos were taken at the National Mine Safety and Health Academy in Beaver, West Virginia, where the group attended trainings, gave presentations, and submitted videos and program materials for instructor competitions.

The delegation included members of the Florida Mine Safety Program, MSHA Educational Field and Small Mine Services, and colleagues from other State Grants Programs who became part of the group over the years.

Pictured across these photos are Jimmy Paxton, Lee Paxton, W. Ben Hart, CMSP, Karen Miller, CMSP, Ken Corley, CMSP, Tammy Johnson, David Johnson, Nori Ortiz, CMSP, Rick Ooley, CMSP, Clyde McMillian, Nanette Clark, Kevin Jones, and Ann Martin.

These early years reflect the collaboration, learning, and friendships that helped shape the program and its work for decades to come.

09/14/2026

A few moments from years of competition, training, and teamwork.

The Annual Surface Mining Emergency Response and Training Competition brought together teams and safety professionals to practice skills, work through challenging scenarios, and learn from one another.

Looking back through these photos means seeing more than competition results. It means seeing years of preparation, friendships, familiar faces, and a mining community that continued showing up for safety.

Thank you to every team, competitor, volunteer, judge, sponsor, exhibitor, and supporter who has been part of it.

09/13/2026

Mine rescue teams train for the moments no one wants to face.

They volunteer their time to prepare for emergencies where the lives of fellow miners may depend on their ability to work together, stay focused, and make the right decisions under pressure.

Trust. Teamwork. Precision. Safety. Those words reflect what mine rescue demands, both in competition and in real response situations.

As we look back at past competitors, we recognize the commitment behind every team. The hours of training, the responsibility they accept, and the willingness to be there for their fellow miners when it matters most.

09/12/2026

Mine safety has always been about people.

The miners doing the work. The trainers sharing their experience. The rescue teams preparing for emergencies. The safety professionals asking the extra question. The contractors and operators making time for training.

The Florida Mine Safety Program has had the opportunity to work alongside people throughout Florida’s mining community for more than four decades. That commitment to learning from one another is something worth recognizing.