PANAJI
The Mines Safety & Productivity Council of Goa, Sindhudurg and Kolhapur held its first annual general meeting (AGM) in more than a decade at the International Centre Goa on Friday. The last AGM was held in 2011-12. Representatives from mines across Goa, Sindhudurg and Kolhapur attended the meeting, where they planned the 42nd Mines Safety Week celebrations in December and discussed other issues concerning the mining industry.
Mining in Goa came to a halt after the Central government’s 2012 ban, causing businesses linked to mining to collapse and families to lose their income. Now, after 13 years, the industry is reviving with 12 mining blocks opened in three phases and most companies restarting operations. Stakeholders stressed the need to move ahead by using mining’s full potential while focusing on sustainable growth.
In his welcome speech, Dheeraj Kumar Jagdish, vice-president of the Council, spoke about the importance of safety and sustainability. “We also have to check the risk analysis and reporting immediately, preventive mindset as well as continuous up-skilling of the staff is necessary. Safety should be the point of focus always around us in the mining region as well as beyond the mining area and in the community whom we serve,” he said.
Convenor and chief guest Ramesh Walikar explained the purpose of the Mines Safety Week and invited suggestions for organising it.
Calling the 42nd general body meeting a historic event, Council president Rajiv Kumar said, “Our belief that mining would return safer and stronger, sooner or later was alive. Mines may close, but the spirit never dies and with the twin pillars of safety and productivity, many worked silently towards that.”
He added, “Accidents are preventable. Zero harm should not be our aim but the culture of every mine. With new technology we should encourage a culture of awareness in each person towards their safety rights and duty, because it is the people who make mining possible. Safety is non-negotiable. Goa should set an example for the country. If accidents are caused, they can be prevented too, and it is our duty to prevent them.”
During the meeting, Deepak Kumar Chandramukhi, deputy director of Mines Safety for Goa region, was chosen as the editor of the souvenir to be released during Mines Safety Week. Secretary Sandip Morajkar outlined the plan for the celebration, including inspection programmes at each mine, safety material handling, participation details and subscriptions based on the tonnes of material handled.
It was decided that a souvenir would be released on the final day of the event, nominations for the longest accident-free worker would be finalised by November 30, 2025, and evaluation mark sheets for mining companies would be prepared.
Members also discussed holding a seminar on preparing, implementing and reviewing safety management plans, with suggestions to be included in the Mines Safety Week schedule from December 15 to 20. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Rochelle Fernandes.
