Bill Ends Mine Limits

Legislation introduced Thursday would repeal a 1907 law that limits miners to eight hours of underground work a day.

The long-standing law also limits miners to 10 hours of work a day total, including work above ground.

Jack Lyman of the Idaho Mining Association said the measure is out of date. “Mining is the only industry in Idaho where by state law they restrict what the work hours will be,” he said.

Miners still are entitled to overtime beyond 40 hours worked in a week, under federal laws, he noted. And the bill wouldn’t affect existing union contracts, which define working conditions at unionized mines.

The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee will hear the measure.