PANAJI: Experts from the mining industry in Goa have called upon owners and operators of some 105 mines to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards accidents.

“Mining companies’ attitude should be safety-first as inspirational to employees,”  Managing director of Fomento Resources, Mr Ambar Timblo told participants at the 40th Annual Mines Safety Week hosted by Fomento Resources at the Gueilleme-e-Gaval Mine, Pissurlem.
“In every decade there is a change,” said chief guest and director of Mines Safety, Mr Satish Puri. He said “in 2004, production of iron ore was 10 million tones then, compared to today’s 50 million tones. Demand is increasing, depleting our resources, and social responsibilities are taking new shape.”
He said in the 1970s safety would mean anti-production with the older hands. Then in the 1980 it emerged as part of productivity. In the 90s safety and productivity went hand in glove. And in 2000s the slogan was coined:  Safety is part of sustainability. With improvised machines comes highly skilled force. He said safety amendments are included in the new mining law and like oil, mining will venture into deep sea shortly, Mr Puri said.
In the last two years two accidents were reported, caused by lack of training of workers, said deputy director general of mines safety, Mr S I Hussain. “It has come to our notice that securities are being utilised for mining activity, they should be trained,” he added. 
The event was attended by delegates of companies mining iron ore, bauxite, stone quarries and manganese from Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Goa and Belgaum.  Companies in heavy mechanized to semi-mechanized to manual mining also participated. Various inspection teams were formed to inspect mines.  Groups were formed on basis of material handled, and as per the working conditions and safety performances, prizes were awarded to the mines, said Mr AK Megharaj, director of mines, Goa region.
Mr Ambar Timblo, president of the Mines Safety and Productivity Council, welcomed the new president of the council Mr Sarvesh Timblo, vice president Panduronga Timblo Industries. Mr Ambar said that his two years as president of the mines safety council has been a dreadful one, he gave credit to the Red Cross society that set up a training programme benefiting 1000s of workers. “As our country displays more rapid growth and technology we face more challenges, the key areas for us is to sustain economic growth, with safety norms as our priority”.
He said companies should take up the challenge of launching an injury-free ore adopting new innovations, and setting up new standards of operation facilities making safety its priority.