Proposal to amend Indian Mines Act forwarded to Govt

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has forwarded a proposal to the Government to amend the Indian Mines Act 1952 to fix responsibility on proprietors and agencies in case of mishaps while exploring for minerals and hydrocarbons, a top ministry official said in Mangalore on Saturday.

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has forwarded a proposal to the Government to amend the Indian Mines Act 1952 to fix responsibility on proprietors and agencies in case of mishaps while exploring for minerals and hydrocarbons, a top ministry official said in Mangalore on Saturday.

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"Suggestions have been mooted to enhance the quantum of punishment and fine to those who violate the laws," Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) SJ Sibal told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Mangalore.

However he did not specify the nature of amendments suggested, saying "we have sought considerably higher quantum of punishment and fines".

The DGMS has also sent a proposal to the Coal Ministry to set up a government approved laboratory to test heavy mines equipment at the Indian mines School or Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research at Dhanbad.

Sibal said India would host the eighth international Ventillation Congress from November 9 to 16 in Delhi.

He requested the Karnataka governemnt to devote attention to improve gold exploration at Hutti Gold Mines, which has reserves for another 60 years.