MINES ACT, 1952
The Mines Act, 1952 is an important piece of legislation in India that aims
to regulate the safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in mines.
It provides measures for the systematic development of mining operations
while ensuring safe working conditions and protecting the rights of mine
workers.
Key Provisions of the Mines Act, 1952
1. Applicability:
The Act applies to the whole of India and covers all types of mines,
including coal, metalliferous, and oil mines.
A mine is defined under the Act as any excavation where operations for
the extraction of minerals are carried out, including quarries, open cast
workings, underground workings, and associated operations like crushing,
grinding, and processing of minerals.
2. Objectives:
To regulate working conditions in mines.
To provide for the safety, health, and welfare of mine workers.
To prevent accidents and hazardous working conditions.
To ensure proper supervision and management of mines.
3. Key Definitions:
Covers both open cast and underground mines
Owner: A person or authority with ownership, control, or management of
the mine.
Manager: A person appointed under the Act to manage the mine.
Agent: An individual authorized to act on behalf of the owner.
4. Appointment of Authorities:
Chief Inspector of Mines: The senior-most authority responsible for
overseeing mine operations and enforcing the Act’s provisions.
Inspectors of Mines: Appointed to inspect mines and ensure compliance
with safety regulations.
Managers: Appointed by the owner to manage and supervise the
operations of the mine.
5. Duties and Responsibilities:
Owner’s Responsibilities: Ensure the mine is operated in compliance with
the Act, and safety and welfare measures are in place.
Manager’s Responsibilities: Directly responsible for the day-to-day
operation and safety of the mine.
Duties of Employees: Workers must comply with safety measures and
report any unsafe conditions.
6. Provisions for Health and Safety:
Working Hours: Maximum of 48 hours per week for work above ground
Maximum of 6 hours per day for work below ground
Prohibition of Employment of Young Persons: The employment of persons
below 18 years of age in underground mines is prohibited.
No woman shall be allowed to work in any mine above or below ground
Medical Examination: Workers must undergo medical examinations before
employment and periodically thereafter.
Welfare Facilities: Provisions for drinking water, sanitation, restrooms, first
aid, and other welfare measures.
7. Safety Measures:
Inspection: Regular inspection of mines by the appointed inspectors to
ensure adherence to safety norms.
Ventilation and Lighting: Adequate ventilation and lighting must be
provided in underground mines.
Precaution against Inundation and Fires: Mines must have safety measures
in place to prevent floods, fires, and other emergencies.
8. Accident Reporting and Investigation:
Accidents in mines must be reported immediately, and an investigation
must be carried out to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.
Serious accidents and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the
Chief Inspector and relevant authorities.
9. Penalties:
The Act specifies penalties for non-compliance, including fines and
imprisonment for violations related to safety, health, and welfare.
10. Special Provisions:
Compensation: Provision for compensation to workers for injuries or
occupational diseases contracted due to mine operations.
Prohibition of Employment in Hazardous Jobs: Prohibits employment of
workers in dangerous jobs without adequate safety precautions.
11. Appeals and Grievances:
Provisions for appealing against decisions made by authorities under the
Act.
Mechanisms for addressing grievances of mine workers.
