Revised safety norms for mining sites in Goa

Government will issue new norms taking note of accidents at mining sites

PTI | August 9, 2011



In the wake of recent accidents at mining sites in Goa due to heavy rains, a revised set of safety norms would be issues to the mines that will have to be complied with during monsoon, a senior official said today.

Centre's directorate of mines safety will issue a revised set of norms that would be circulated to all the 95 mining sites in the state this week, Mihir Vardhan, chief of the monitoring committee on mining in Goa, said.

Three people were killed, while six others were injured last month in Goa, when some parts of mines gave in following incessant rains.

Vardhan said that the tailing points and ore dumps at the mining sites were the main cause of concern during monsoons. He said the old set of norms needed to be altered considering the prevailing situation in the iron ore mining sector.

State government had formed a monitoring committee with representations to the stakeholders like Indian bureau of mines, directorate of mines safety, state mines and geology department and others, who are mandated to inspect the mining sites.

"The committee has decided to give 15 days for the mining firms to comply with the safety norms. Action would be taken against those who fail to comply," Vardhan said.

State government has also decided to recommend long term measures so that accidents at mines are reduced.

Vardhan said that an NGO, Goa mineral foundation, run by the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA), would be roped in to conduct a scientific study and suggest long-term measures, which will specify the precautions that mining sites need to take to avoid catastrophic situations.

Goa has been a major exporter of iron ore in the country. The coastal state taps around 54 million metric tones of ore, which is exported to European countries and even China.
 

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