Challenges and Solutions of Rescue Operations in Mining Areas

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Recently, some workers got trapped in a rat hole mining coal mine in Dima Hasao district of Assam due to flooding. Despite rescue operations by several state and central agencies, many workers died.

Challenges of Rescue Operations in Mining Sector in India:

• Hazardous and Unstable Working Environment: Mines, especially coal mines and deep underground mines are highly vulnerable to various hazards. In case of an accident in such mines, both the workers and the rescue team members may be at risk.
• Lack of Adequate Safety Equipment: Many mining operations, especially small and unregulated mines, lack the necessary safety equipment (such as personal protective equipment, proper ventilation system and rescue equipment).
• Limited access to the accident site: In remote areas or old mining sites, narrow tunnels, water-filled mines and lack of proper infrastructure make it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas.
• Delayed response time: In mining sites with inadequate infrastructure and lack of trained personnel, delays in starting rescue operations are likely.
• Inadequate training for rescue personnel: Many mining companies lack skilled and trained personnel for rescue operations.
• Lack of coordination among stakeholders: Lack of proper coordination among various stakeholders, including mining companies, government agencies and local emergency services, can cause problems in rescue operations.
• Exposure to toxic gases: Underground mines pose a risk of accumulation and exposure to toxic gases such as methane or carbon monoxide.
• Lack of emergency preparedness plans: In many cases, especially small mines, comprehensive emergency preparedness plans are not in place. This leads to confusion and inefficiency when disaster strikes.
• Environmental hazards: Environmental conditions in and around mines can be challenging.
  • For example, monsoon or seasonal flooding can restrict access to mines, while dust or heat at some mining sites can put both workers and rescuers at greater risk.
• Regulatory and legal challenges: Many mining sectors in India lack enforcement of safety regulations, particularly small-scale, unregulated or illegal mining operations.

Some of the major mining disasters that have occurred in India in the past are:

• Newton Chikli colliery disaster (1954): 63 people died when a mine was flooded in Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh), India.
• Dhanbad coal mine disaster (Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand state, 1965): About 275 people died in an explosion in the mine, possibly caused by underground gas accumulation.
• Chasnala mining disaster (1975): A coal mine at Chasnala near Dhanbad district was flooded after an explosion, killing about 375 workers.
• Meghalaya mining accident (2018): Several workers were killed when the Litein river flooded a mine using rat hole mining method in Kasan, Meghalaya.

Statutory Framework for Coal Mine Safety:

• Mines Act, 1952 (to be replaced by Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHW) Code, 2020)
• Mines Rules, 1955
• Coal Mines Regulations, 2017
• Mine Rescue Rules, 1985
• Electricity Act, 2003
• Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Supply) Regulations, 2023
• Mine Vocational Training Rules, 1966
• Mine Creche Rules, 1966
• Indian Explosives Act, 1884
• Explosives Rules, 2008
• Indian Boilers Act, 1923
• Mine Maternity Benefit Act & Rules, 1963
• Employee Compensation Act, 2010
• Factories Act, 1948 Chapter III & IV

Major Activities of Safety & Rescue Division of Coal India:

• Inspecting mines and taking follow up action to improve safety standards
• Investigating accidents and maintaining database thereof
• Monitoring safety audits, training and mine rescue preparedness
• Developing and implementing safety guidelines and technical circulars
• Publishing safety bulletins to promote safety awareness and culture
• Answering relevant parliamentary questions and maintaining liaison with security agencies

Measures being taken to improve mine safety standards

• Safety Management Plans (SMPs): Site-specific SMPs have been prepared. These are regularly reviewed and monitored by Internal Safety Organisation (ISO).
• Key Risk Management Plans (PHMPs): PHMPs have been prepared to prevent mine disasters along with Triggered Action Response Plan (TARP) for emergencies.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Site-specific, risk-based SOPs have been prepared and updated for mining operations.
• Security Audit: Security audit for FY 2023-24 has been completed and uploaded on CSIS portal.
• Special Security Campaigns & Toolbox Talks: Workshops and security talks have been conducted to improve awareness and risk assessment.
• Other Safety Initiatives: Regular competency assessments, monsoon plans and video clips are being used for safety training.

Apart from the above specific actions, the following measures are underway to improve safety standards-

• Adoption of advanced technologies such as mass production technology, surface miners and highwall mining
• Implementation of strata management with rock mass rating and mechanised roof bolting
• Monitoring mine environment through gas detectors, air quality systems and dust samplers
• Strengthening water hazard management with pumping facilities and embankments
• Preventing accidents with mine-specific traffic rules, operator training and contractor sensitisation

Mining Plan Guidelines, 2024 issued by Ministry of Coal:

• Flexibility and Revision: Flexibility has been enhanced for minor changes in mining plans while major changes will require approval from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO).
• Safety and Technology: Priority will be given to blast-free coal mining technologies and comprehensive safety management plans, including mandatory safety audits.
• Environmental measures: Mandatory drone surveys for compliance reports as well as protocols for fly ash filling and sand placement will be integrated.
• Efficient operations: Standardisation of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and use of conveyor belts or railways for coal evacuation.

Suggestions:

• Advanced training: Make regular and comprehensive rescue training mandatory for all mine rescue teams
• Modern equipment: Rescue teams need to be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as drones, remote-controlled robots and advanced breathing apparatus
• Communication systems: Ensure reliable communication systems in mines, such as two-way radios and underground tracking systems, for better coordination during rescue operations
• Safety protocols: Establish and strictly enforce standardised safety protocols and emergency response plans for all mining operations
• Regular inspections: Conduct frequent safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and improve safety measures
• Health monitoring: Conduct regular health check-ups and fitness assessments of rescue workers.