Dhanbad: Union minister for labour and employment, Shobha Karandlaje, on Wednesday said human safety must come first, mining later. Technology-driven mining will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of zero harm, she added.Addressing the 125th foundation day celebrations of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in Dhanbad, the minister said, “The new labour codes give special emphasis to mining safety, workers’ health, timely payment of wages, and overall social security. The govt is committed to ensuring that mining operations are carried out strictly in line with safety norms. Women are encouraged to work in the mining sector under safer and more inclusive conditions.”Stressing that mining safety and workers’ welfare were accorded top priority, the minister highlighted the need to continuously upgrade technology to strengthen safety standards in mines. “Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and robotics are being introduced in the mining sector, which will further enhance safe mining practices and help reduce accidents,” she said.Reiterating the govt’s commitment to holistic welfare of workers, Shobha added, “The Centre was making sustained efforts to ensure better healthcare for workers, education for their children, timely payment of wages and pensions, and social security benefits. Special focus was also being laid on workers from the unorganised sector.”Responding to a query on the rising prices of gold, the Union minister said, “India largely depends on imports to meet its gold demand, which significantly impacts prices. Efforts would be made to explore and identify gold reserves within the country to reduce import dependence in the long run.”DGMS reaffirmed its mission of achieving ‘Zero Harm, Zero Accident’, reflecting its resolve to make India’s mining sector safer and more sustainable.
