(CNMI DOL) — The local Department of Labor, in coordination with the Mine Safety and Health Administration or MSHA, hosted a compliance assistance presentation on Jan. 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the American Memorial Park indoor theater to strengthen mine safety awareness and regulatory preparedness within the CNMI.
The presentation was led by Timothy Watkins, MSHA administrator for enforcement, and Jarvis Westery, MSHA assistant district manager. A total of 32 participants attended, which included private sector quarry and mine operators as well as various local government agencies.
The purpose of the presentation was to prepare mine operators and partner agencies for the upcoming courtesy compliance assistance visit, which is scheduled to begin sometime in Feb. 2026. During this visitation, MSHA inspectors from Puerto Rico will travel to the CNMI to conduct inspections of local mining operations as part of MSHA’s compliance assistance efforts.
During the presentation, Watkins emphasized that MSHA’s goal is to support mine operators through education and cooperation. “We are not here to scare anyone, but to provide guidance on what to expect with MSHA inspectors and the compliance assistance visit,” said Watkins.
MSHA officials explained that the visit is designed to help mine operators understand and comply with federal mine safety and health standards. The visitation provides operators with an opportunity to identify and correct potential violations without enforcement penalties, reinforcing MSHA’s commitment to education, prevention, and cooperative compliance.
Key topics discussed during the presentation included common mine safety violations, potential penalties, and regulatory requirements. MSHA officials emphasized the importance of obtaining an MSHA identification number, which is required for all mine operators to register with MSHA prior to operating a mine in the CNMI.
The presentation also highlighted MSHA’s broader mission to establish and maintain an active presence across all United States territories, including Guam, American Samoa, and the CNMI. This initiative ensures that mine operators in U.S. territories receive the same level of regulatory guidance, safety oversight, and compliance support as those in the mainland United States.
The CNMI Department of Labor expressed appreciation to MSHA officials for their continued partnership and commitment to improving mine safety and health in the Commonwealth and encouraged all mine operators to take full advantage of the upcoming compliance assistance visit.
