Ministry of Labour issues Draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Metalliferous Mines) Regulations, 2026; proposes safety measures for metalliferous mines

The Ministry of Labour and Employment (“Ministry”) has issued the Draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Metalliferous Mines) Regulations, 2026 (“Draft Regulations”).

Objections and suggestions, if any, may be addressed to Shri Ravishankar Nirala, Under Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Room No: 17, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi or by email ravis.nirala@nic.in and cmcdgms1@gmail.com by 28^th March 2026, i.e., within a period of 45 days. The objections and suggestions should be sent in a proforma containing columns:

1. specifying the name and address of the persons and organizations and column;
2. specifying the rule or sub-rule which is proposed to be modified and column; and
3. specifying the revised rule or sub rule proposed to be submitted and the reasons therefore.

Key Proposals under the Draft Regulations:

1. The regulations will be applicable to every mine other than a coal or an oil mine.
2. It lays down the duties and responsibilities of mine management, contractors, manufacturers etc. which includes adequate safety measures, safety management plan, ensure adequate ventilation etc.
3. Owner, agent or manager will be required to maintain corrected and up-to-date different types of plans and sections specifying the name of owner, georeferenced mine boundary and mining lease boundary, magnetic meridian etc.
4. Owner or manager of mine will be required to provide outlets from a mine for the purposes of access and egress and are also required to provide ladders of strong construction and in working condition.
5. Precautions against dangers from fire, dust, gas and water are prescribed. Further, certain prohibitions like not stacking dried leaves, not igniting any fire near machinery are to be followed to avoid fire occurrences.
6. The manager of mine is required to take certain precautions after a fire has broken out.
7. The places belowground in a mine to be kept whitewashed and have adequate lighting at all times.
8. It specifies the type of explosives to be used, stored, transported etc in a mine. Further, the general precautions such as not taking mobile phones, electronic gadgets or light other than an electric torch or an enclosed electric lamp into any explosive magazine or premises are to be followed.
9. Suitable workshop is required to be set-up adjacent to mines for construction and maintenance of machinery.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Employment