OSC Investigation Reveals MSHA’s False Reporting and Neglected Inspections, Endangering Miners
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has raised alarms about significant safety lapses in mine inspections across U.S. Pacific Territories, including Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Whistleblowers revealed that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) failed to inspect 51 active underground and surface mines since at least 2016, falsely reporting them as “abandoned” to Congress.
A U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigation confirmed these allegations, noting inspections are not scheduled until 2027.
Despite MSHA claiming 100% inspection completion since 2023, a 2024 DOL Inspector General alert highlighted “urgent concerns” for miner safety.
OSC Senior Counsel Charles Baldis praised the whistleblowers’ courage, urging DOL to recognize their contributions.
A new OSC policy encourages monetary rewards of up to $10,000 for whistleblowers.
The OSC has notified President Trump and Congress to address these critical safety issues.
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