Mines Act 1952 Regulations Quiz

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT NOTIFICATION

• The notification was issued on 27th November 2017 under G.S.R. 1449(E).
• It aims to enact new regulations concerning coal mines, leveraging the authority given by the Mines Act of 1952.

Regulations Overview

• The new regulations are titled the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017.
• They supersede the earlier Coal Mines Regulations, 1957.
• Effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
• Applicable to all coal mines across India.

Definitions of Key Terms

• Abandoned working: Refers to mining operations that have been closed with no future intention of reopening.
• Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM): Natural gas extracted from abandoned coal mines.
• Act: Refers to the Mines Act, 1952.
• Approved safety lamp and electric torch: Specific safety equipment approved by the Chief Inspector.
• Assistant manager: A certified individual assisting the main manager in mine operations.
• Auxiliary fan: A fan used for ventilation within the mine.
• Average output: Calculated based on the average monthly output from the mine over the previous financial year.
• Banksman: A person responsible for managing the lowering and raising of materials in the mine.
• Booster fan: Mechanical ventilator enhancing the airflow in designated areas of the mine.
• Coal: Encompasses various types of carbonaceous materials marketed as coal, including anthracite and lignite.
• Coal Mine Methane (CMM): Natural gas extracted directly from active coal mines.
• Committee: A body established under section 12 of the Mines Act for oversight.
• Competent person: An individual appointed for specific work in a mine, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Contractor: Any individual or entity providing operational services within a mine on a contract basis.
• Deep-hole drilling and blasting: Involves drilling holes deeper than three meters for blasting purposes in opencast mining.

Contextual Importance

• The new regulations are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and operational standards in the coal mining industry.
• Extensive stakeholder engagement occurred, with objections and suggestions gathered prior to the finalization of the regulations.