Panaji: The Goa government has set up a
high-level monitoring committee for reviewing the safety
measures at all the 100-odd mining sites in the state.
Two mining accidents were reported this monsoon, in
which three persons were killed and six injured.
Mihir Vardhan, who heads the state natural disaster
management committee, today held a meeting in the North
District collectorate to form the monitoring committee.
He told reporters that the monitoring committee would
conduct a complete review to find out whether mining firms
were complying with the safety norms.
There would be two sub-committees, headed by deputy
collectors of Bicholim and Quepem regions, which would
regularly visit the mines in the respective areas.
"We will see whether safety instructions given by the
Directorate of Mines Safety are being adhered to," Vardhan
said, adding that committee will have representatives from
state mines department, Indian Bureau of Mines, Director of
Mines Safety, and other stakeholders.
It will also suggest more comprehensive and detailed
plan for the safety at the mines, he said.
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association, an umbrella
organisation of mining companies, will also conduct scientific
study of tailing points and mining dumps, where accidents
usually take place, he said.
Goa is India's biggest exporter of iron ore.
PTI
First Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 20:18