Balochistan has the largest reserves of copper and gold in the world, with estimated reserves of 412 million tons in Saindak and 5.87 billion tons in Reko Diq. Huge reserves of coal estimated around 217 million tons are present at Duki, Harnai, Degrai, Mach, Ziarat, Chamalang and Quetta. 273 million tons are reported in reserves of iron deposits.
Mine accidents not only cause damage to human life but also demoralize the confidence of investors and thus hamper the growth of the mining industry.
The mining industry is invariably threatened by a number of hazards, and uncertainties of varying nature including Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), operations, regulations, politics, finance, and variations in the economy. Some of the common causes of mine accidents include dust and noise, blasting, explosions due to flammable gases, conveyor belt fires, and inundation of mud and waste, and rock bursts.
Besides that, non-fatal injuries may result from slips, falls and hand injuries – these tend to be more frequently reported in the mining industry. Pakistan, particularly, Balochistan has a terrible record of mine accidents due to non-compliance to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protocols in underground mining. The Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) conditions in Pakistan have been in-need of an urgent revamp including legislation, the implementation of laws, data collection or the resources required.
During the last 7 years, more than 450 causalities have been reported in various accidents in Balochistan’s coal mines. Mine accidents not only cause damage to human life but also demoralize the confidence of investors and thus hamper the growth of the mining industry.
While working on the development of mines and mineral development in Balochistan, on a project titled “Health and Safety of Coal Miners in hazard-prone coal mines in Balochistan,” funded by the Australian Small Grant Scheme sector, the author conducted research on the development of the mining sector in Balochistan. This project has not only has provided relevant information for the Government of Balochistan for mineral sector development in the context of recurring disasters and their consequences, but also involved various stakeholders to bring further interventions to safeguard the health of miners, and improve safety in the mines.
In Balochistan, narrow tunnels inside coal mines lead to depths of 8 feet or more underground, from where the coal has to be extracted and transported above ground. This underground mining at depths greater than 8 ft imposes a greater health risk to miners. Moreover, underground coal mines are mainly constructed without ventilation systems and mines are routinely dug without following international standards.
Due to all these issues, mine roof collapses, the leakage of noxious gases, electrical short circuits and tend to be pervasive. Deep coal mining practices make it impossible for colliers to be evacuated from mines in the case of accidents. The threat to the lives of colliers is further aggravated due to their ignorance of safety standards and equipment. Colliers are either not provided with any personal safety equipment, and even when these are provided at a few select mines, they choose not to wear them and tend to ignore the risks associated with their work. Moreover, personal safety equipment for coal miners is not part of the Coal Mines Regulations 1926. This also demonstrates that the government has not strictly imposed Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) rules and regulations on mining fields.
Mining is an important economic sector in many developed countries.
To improve the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of coal miners, it is strongly recommended that a depth limit be imposed on the extent to which deep underground coal mines can be dug. Moreover, proper ventilation, safeguards against the leakage of gases, electrical short circuits and planned evacuation mechanisms in case of mine collapse should be ensured while digging coal mines. Proper trainings must be conducted for coal miners, highlighting the importance of personal safety equipment and coal miners ought to be provided with proper uniform, gloves, gas detector tools, safety shoes, and electric safety lamps. Under the aforementioned project, the author has organized training sessions besides providing proper uniforms and safety equipment to trainees in January 2019.
The government of Balochistan and the Directorate of Mines and Minerals must ensure compliance to these measures through surprise checks and audits. Moreover, public and private enterprises can also be engaged to set up monitoring mechanisms, which can guard against the exploitation of impoverished mining workers and help implement all health inspection protocols.
Keeping in focus Occupational Health and Safety (OSH), the government of Balochistan has introduced number of interventions in its newly formulated Mineral Development Policy 2019. Nevertheless, there is still a need to incorporate personal safety equipment in the revised Coal Mines Regulations 2019.
Mining is an important economic sector in many developed countries. The Balochistan government collected revenue totalling Rs 190 million from the minerals sector during the financial year of 2021-22. If the government dedicates proper attention and supervision to the mining sector, it can further enhance revenue collection and have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economy.
If the suggestions provided in this piece are given due consideration, mining accidents can be reduced to a minimum, and maximum advantage can be obtained through effective mining of the natural wealth of the province, which can boost the economy of the country in general and herald an industrial boom for Balochistan.
The government of Balochistan ought to work to provide an enabling environment for realizing the rich mineral potential of Balochistan through improved governance and focused interventions, aimed at encouraging private sector participation to foster development, economic growth and meaningful contribution towards the well-being of the people of the Balochistan - the real owners of all of the region’s mineral wealth!