The Mine Safety and Health Administration will hold a public hearing Thursday in Charleston to accept comments on proposed rules for underground rescue chambers in coal mines.

The rules were developed as part of the MINER Act of 2006.  The MINER Act was approved by Congress in the wake of mine disasters at Sago and Aracoma in West Virginia. 

The hearing at the Charleston Marriott Thursday will be one of four held nationwide.   Similar public hearings are slated for Lexington, Kentucky, Birmingham, Alabama next week.  One has already been held in Salt Lake City. 

MSHA officials, say ever since implementation of the MINER Act, development of underground rescue chambers has been underway. 

Several private companies have produced prototypes offering safe haven to trapped workers in the event of an emergency.  MSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have also been assisting in the development of those chambers.

The new rules requiring underground shelters are due to be in place by December 15th.