Recognizing that the highest priority and concern of the commonwealth must be the health and safety of the coal industry's most valuable resource, the miner, resulted in the creation of the Mine Safety Review Commission (MSRC). 

The three-member commission, each of whom is required to meet the criteria of a Court of Appeals judge and complete the state's 40-hour new miner trainer program, is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kentucky General Assembly. 

The commission conducts hearings concerning licensed premises and both certified and noncertified personnel involved in coal mining, who are charged with willful and repeated violations of Kentucky's mine safety laws and placing miners in imminent danger of serious injury or death.

Therefore, the Mine Safety Review Commission is charged with conducting hearings and issuing orders regarding licensees, coal operations and other persons involved in the mining of coal in accordance with KRS 351.194.  Administrative complaints are filed with the MSRC by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing.  Hearings are held in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.