Blog Details

Introduction:

Safety Standards in Mineral Manufacturing are essential and Important to follow. Mineral Manufacturing is manufacturing of raw materials to turn into usable products. Working in manufacturing plants without safety measures is very dangerous. Safety measures are created to avoid the accidents and it is not to be ignored, us in Ashok Minerals follow these safety measures and Precaution very carefully.

Why is Mine safety necessary?

Mineral and Mining Processing are one of the most dangerous and hazardous industries in the world, so this can not be stressed further to highlight the fact that safety standards in Mineral Manufacturing are must and to be followed.

Protecting Human health:

• Accidents happen, with or without following the Safety standards, the chances are low for an accident to happen, when Safety standards are followed.
• Dust inhalation, breathing dust for years can cause silicosis, lung diseases, TB, etc.
• Chemical exposures can cause harm and disease to the human body where they have been contacted with.

Preventing Big Disaster:

• Dam failures or gas explosions can affect many people around the incident, it could pollute rivers and kill hundreds like an iron ore mine’s tailings dam in Brumadinho collapsed and over 230 people died and some missing. Using safety systems can catch problems early like cracks in dams, gas leaks before they become a disaster.

Protecting the Environment:

• Improper waste disposal can contaminate the soil, water and air and can cause numerous problems. Mining produces a lot of waste such as dust, wastewater, tailings and these need to be disposed properly with emission controls and rehabilitation after mining.

Legal compliance:

• Governments have set strict rules for Mineral manufacturing industries, when these protocols aren’t followed it would lead to mine closure, heavy fines, Lawsuits, etc.
• Ashok minerals follow these rules and protocols very strictly to avoid any dangerous incidents that may occur.

Reducing cost and downtime:

• If we don’t follow the Safety procedures and protocols, accidents might occur and that will lead to loss of valuable employees, machine repairs, employee medical costs, lost production and Compensations.

Mine safety Equipment:

Proper equipment protects workers’ health & life, helps prevent accidents, and ensures legal compliance. Some equipment is mandatory by law; some is best practice. Here is a list of Equipment to note,

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Like Helmets, Boots, Gloves, Mask, etc to protect individual miners from direct physical harm.
2. Lighting & Vision Aids - Mines are often dark or poorly lit, lighting helps prevent trips/falls.
3. Gas detection / environmental monitoring devices - To detect dangerous gases (explosive or toxic), to monitor air quality (dust, oxygen levels), so ventilation & evacuation can be done timely.
4. Rescue & emergency equipment - Breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, rescue vehicles, etc.
5. Special equipment requiring approval under law (India / DGMS) - Flame safety lamps, Cap lamps (including cables, batteries), Permitted explosives & detonators, etc. Check out the approved list by DGMS.

Miner safety protocols and Procedures:

The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) is the Indian authority that sets many of the safety protocols.

Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification:

Checking the systems, equipment stability, leaks before the shift and after the shift will reduce the chance for an accident to occur.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

• Written instructions for all critical tasks: blasting, drilling, ventilation, emergency escape, equipment maintenance.
• Workers must be trained on how to follow SOPs.

Training:

• Regular training: safe behavior, equipment use, emergency drills, how to spot hazards.

Equipment & Maintenance Protocols:

• Use of approved safety equipment (PPE, gas detectors, lamps, etc.).
• Regular inspections and maintenance of machinery, belts, conveyors, vehicles.
• Ensure proper lighting, ventilation, gas monitoring systems.

Monitoring & Health Surveillance:

• Monitor air quality (gases, dust, oxygen levels).
• Check for respirable crystalline silica etc.
• Health checks, including for lung problems (via chest X-rays etc.), hearing tests.

Emergency Preparedness & Response:

• Clear evacuation paths, alarm systems.
• Rescue equipment.
• Regular mock drills (fire, collapse, gas leak).
• Communication systems (radios, signals) for rescue.

Incident Reporting & Investigation:

• Any accident / near-miss / dangerous occurrence must be reported.
• Investigate the root cause so it doesn’t happen again.
• Use data to improve safety protocols.

Worker Participation & Safety Culture:

• Involve workers in safety committees.
• Encourage reporting of unsafe conditions (without fear).
• Recognize good safety behavior.

Audit, Review & Continuous Improvement:

• Regular internal + external audits of safety systems.
• Review SOPs based on incident findings or changes in operations.
• Use safety metrics (number of accidents, near misses, days without injury etc.)

Mine Safety Standard Regulations:

• The Mines Act, 1952 (India): This is the main law in India that governs health, safety, and welfare of mine workers. It strictly says to appoint qualified mine managers, regular inspections, accident reporting, medical facilities, and prohibition of child labor. The Act also sets penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment for owners or managers who violate safety provisions.
• Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS): DGMS is the regulatory authority under the Ministry of Labor & Employment that enforces the Mines Act and related rules. It approves mining equipment, conducts inspections, issues safety circulars, and investigates accidents. DGMS also provides technical guidance and ensures that mines follow safety standards.
• Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 & Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961: These detailed regulations specify how to maintain safe working conditions in coal and metal mines. They cover topics like mine ventilation, roof support, use of explosives, dust suppression, machinery maintenance, and safe transport of workers and materials.
• Mines Rescue Rules, 1985: These rules require every mine to have trained rescue teams, rescue rooms, and equipment for emergency response. Regular mock drills, training, and readiness checks are mandatory so that rescue operations can be carried out quickly in case of fire, explosion, or cave-ins.
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management): Many responsible mining companies adopt ISO 14001 to manage environmental risks associated with mining operations. This ensures safer handling of waste, controlled emissions, and prevention of hazards like chemical spills that could affect workers and surrounding communities.
• BIS Standards for Mining Equipment: In India, safety equipment such as helmets, boots, cap lamps, gas detectors, and electrical systems must meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and often require DGMS approval before use. This ensures equipment performs reliably under mining conditions.
• ILO Convention C176 (Safety and Health in Mines Convention): This international convention, adopted by the International Labor Organization, sets global standards for preventing accidents, ensuring worker participation in safety decisions, and requiring governments to establish strong mine inspection systems.

Conclusion:

Mine safety isn’t about following rules, it is about saving lives and to keep your employees out of hazards and dangerous accidents. Strong safety standard, Proper and good quality equipment, Regular training, drill, and emergency planning keep miners safe and reduces risk of accidents. A culture of safety benefits everyone - employees, owners and communities around the mine. In Ashok minerals we follow these procedures and protocols effectively and would not risk putting our employees at risk.