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An aging mining workforce and robust growth in the mining sector have increased the demand for new miners in the U.S. These miners will be inexperienced,with little chance to interface with the retirees,which raises concerns about sustaining improvement of miners safety. Historically during three periods,such an influx of miners led to increases in fatality and lost-time accident incidence rates..The inroads achieved in safety measures can be attributed to many factors; one of the most important has been the experience of miners. Ramifications of replacing retiring miners with inexperienced ones for complex operations could be dire,especially for persistent mine safety and health problems and particularly dangerous jobs.To help address this fast-developing problem,the Western U.S.Mining Safety and Health Training and Translation Center was established in 2004 through a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Center is a consortium of four universities including the University of Missouri-Rolla (in a lead role),the Colorado School of Mines,Montana Tech and the University of Utah.In its first year of operation,work included initiation of 15 education projects and one translation project. The translation project converts research results and outcomes into training products. For example,the virtual reality project is translating research on roof bolting safety into a training tool by which miners can gain experience and develop judgments through virtual exposure to various hazards and work situations.From a 1998 review of training literature,NIOSH outlined critical training elements to be used in pursuing education projects. By using these important steps in preparing,applying and evaluating training interventions,the Center will ensure valid content,effective transfer of knowledge,and a thorough assessment of safety outcomes. The critical elements include needs assessment,establishment of training objectives,specific training content and media,accounting for individual differences,specifying learning conditions,evaluation of the training,and revising of the training as necessary.This paper will present details on the mission,goals,objectives and training portfolio,and also discuss the organizational structure and administration of the project. The administration of the project includes an annual reassessment of training needs based on prioritized mine health and safety issues or problems.