Panaji: In the wake of recent accidents at
mining sites in Goa due to heavy rains, a revised set of
safety norms would be issued to the mines that will have to be
complied with during monsoon, a senior official said on Tuesday.
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 and six others injured last
month in Goa when some parts of mines gave in following
incessant rains.
Vardhan said the tailing points and ore dumps at the
mining sites were the main cause of concern during monsoon.
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.
The state government has also decided to recommend long
term measures so that accidents at mines are reduced.
Vardhan said 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.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 16:17