NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division (HHS) – Pittsburgh, PA

Advancing Miner Safety and Health

The facility at Cochran Mill Road houses the NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division (PMRD), a premier federal research center under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unlike a public service agency, this facility is dedicated to scientific research aimed at eliminating mining fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. The campus is a hub for engineering and health studies that impact the global mining industry.

Research and Technology

The PMRD focuses on critical safety challenges in both coal and non-metal mining sectors. Its specialized teams and laboratories work on:

• Dust Control and Ventilation: Developing technologies to reduce miners’ exposure to respirable coal mine dust and silica, preventing black lung disease.
• Mine Emergency Operations: Creating rescue technologies and strategies for disaster response, including refuge alternatives and communication systems.
• Ground Control: Engineering solutions to prevent mine collapses and rock falls.
• Human Factors: Studying organizational culture and ergonomics to improve workplace safety.

Facility Information

This federal campus is a secure government installation. It includes unique testing facilities such as dust galleries and simulated mine environments. Access is strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel, visiting researchers, and official guests. It is not open to the general public for walk-in services. The division collaborates closely with labor unions, industry partners, and regulatory bodies like MSHA to implement safety innovations.