(Denver) - The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety announced today the filing of a rulemaking and upcoming stakeholder process to update Tourist Mine Rules within the office of the Mine Safety Training Program (MSTP).
The primary reason for initiating the rulemaking is to amend existing DRMS rules relating to Tourist Mine Conveyance systems or more commonly known as elevators, and to clarify that the agency with regulatory oversight over conveyance systems is the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), a Division of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
The Rules also clarify that conveyances located in Tourist Mines must receive a valid certificate of operation issued by OPS. In addition, the proposed rule revises areas of the existing Rules that need correction, general updating, or to reflect current practice and procedure of the MSTP. Substantive amendments include increased Tourist Mine Operator inspections and reporting, documentation of Tourist Mine conditions and requirements for Mine Operators to maintain documentation, requirements for communications systems, clarifying MSTPs enforcement process and procedure, and to clarify that Tourist Mines cannot also operate as an active mine extracting or producing materials.
To participate as a party in the rulemaking please refer to DRMS rules and regulations section of their website.
Stakeholders and members of the public interested in the rulemaking and making public comment can attend a virtual and in person stakeholder meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, 9 a.m. at 1313 Sherman St, Room 318, Denver, Colorado 80203. Virtual meeting information will be available on DRMS’ website.
In addition, a formal virtual only Rulemaking hearing has also been scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025. 9:00 a.m. The ZOOM hearing link will be sent to all Parties and also posted on the DRMS website. The public may also submit written comments in advance of the rulemaking hearing, with details also available on DRMS’ website.