His appointment is effective July 14, the Utah Labor Commission said. Prior to accepting the OCMS seat, Nielsen served as director of mine development for Interwest Mining.

He will oversee mine safety for the state in his new role as well as act as a liaison between the state and the US Mine Safety and Health Administration.

“Garth’s strong commitment to mining safety is evident through his valuable experience with developing and implementing numerous company safety plans covering all aspects of coal mining operations throughout his career,” said Utah Labor Commissioner Sherrie Hayashi.

“He is also experienced in working with mandates and criteria of MSHA, which will be integral with this position. His qualifications and experience bring great leadership and balance to his position as Utah’s first director of the Office of Coal Mine Safety.”

The Office of Coal Mine Safety was developed by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman after the Crandall Canyon mine disaster that killed six workers and three rescuers last August.

The director search commenced earlier this year for the office, which the ULC said was established to “maximise coal mine safety, prevent coal mine accidents, and provide for effective coal mine accident response”.

Nielsen told local news outlet the Deseret News that his expertise would lend itself well to his plans for improving mines’ safety plans.

“I know what the people do, I know what conditions they work in, and I know all the different thought processes of all the different occupations that people do underground – all the way from the people who are shovelling the belt to the person that is running the operation,” he said.

“I really do believe that we will be able to make a difference in coal mine safety in the state of Utah."