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Tunnels of tragedy

By Engr. Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui
20 January, 2025

Sadly, the new year, from its very beginning, has brought tragedies for coal miners in Balochistan and miseries to their families. Fourteen coal miners lost their lives in two separate incidents within a week. On January 9, twelve miners died due to a methane gas explosion in the Sanjdi coalfield located on the outskirts of Quetta, while other workers narrowly survived. Another two miners died in a coalmine collapse in the Khost area of Harnai District on January 12, where six other miners were rescued.

Tunnels of tragedy

Sadly, the new year, from its very beginning, has brought tragedies for coal miners in Balochistan and miseries to their families. Fourteen coal miners lost their lives in two separate incidents within a week. On January 9, twelve miners died due to a methane gas explosion in the Sanjdi coalfield located on the outskirts of Quetta, while other workers narrowly survived. Another two miners died in a coalmine collapse in the Khost area of Harnai District on January 12, where six other miners were rescued.

These accidents in Balochistan’s coal mines serve as stark reminders of the hazardous conditions under which miners operate in Pakistan. They underscore the persistent neglect of mine safety protocols and the lack of accountability within the sector. Despite various legal and regulatory frameworks at the provincial level, such as the Balochistan Occupational Safety & Health Act 2022 and the Balochistan Factories (Amendment) Act 2021, which apply to coalfields, enforcement remains woefully inadequate. Organisations such as the Department of Mines and the Mines & Minerals Development Department, tasked with monitoring mining operations and ensuring workers' welfare and safety, have failed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This lack of enforcement has led to frequent mine accidents and tragic fatalities.

Mining, particularly coal mining, remains a critical industry in Pakistan, providing employment to thousands and contributing significantly to the country’s energy needs. However, this economic contribution comes at a high human cost. Hundreds of coal miners lose their lives or suffer permanent injuries each year, primarily due to the absence of safety apparatus, inadequate emergency response systems, and the lack of on-site medical facilities. Despite repeated incidents, no significant efforts have been made to address these glaring deficiencies

Historically, Pakistan’s mining industry has been plagued by catastrophic accidents. In 2011, an explosion in a Balochistan coal mine claimed over 40 lives, while a similar incident in 2018 resulted in 23 fatalities. These accidents are not isolated but rather part of a recurring pattern that highlights systemic failures in ensuring worker safety. Methane gas buildup, insufficient ventilation, and outdated mining techniques are the leading causes of fatalities. The absence of modern safety equipment, such as gas detection systems and fire suppression technology, further exacerbates the risks.

One of the primary reasons for these tragedies is the failure to adopt and implement international safety standards. Pakistan has yet to ratify key ILO conventions on mine safety, despite persistent calls from trade unions such as the Pakistan Mine Workers Federation and the All-Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions, as well as international organisations. Among the ILO’s conventions and recommendations aimed at enhancing occupational safety and health, the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (C-176), is specifically dedicated to mining safety. There are also codes of practice and guidelines tailored to the mining sector, such as the Safety and Health in Mines Recommendations, 1995 (Number 183).

The tragedy in Balochistan’s coal mines is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the industry's systemic issues. Addressing these challenges and providing enabling environments for miners requires political will, corporate responsibility, and a commitment to prioritising human lives over profits

Pakistan has not ratified Convention C-176 primarily due to concerns among stakeholders that adherence to its requirements could increase operational costs, potentially impacting the industry’s profitability. Interestingly, all member states of the ILO are required to respect, promote, and realize the principles of a safe and healthy working environment, regardless of whether they have ratified the relevant conventions. Pakistan’s blatant disregard for these guidelines highlights a serious lapse in its commitment to worker safety.

In addition to technical and regulatory shortcomings, socio-economic factors play a significant role in perpetuating unsafe conditions. Many miners come from marginalised communities and work in the industry out of economic necessity. They are often underpaid, lack access to healthcare, and have limited avenues for seeking redress in case of injuries or fatalities. The informal and obsolete nature of many mining operations further complicates the enforcement of safety regulations.

The consequences of these systemic failures are far-reaching. Victims' families are often plunged into financial ruin, as miners are typically the sole breadwinners. Social benefits and compensation are not available to miners working in the informal sector despite the existence of the Balochistan Workers Compensation Act 2022. The emotional and psychological toll on these families is immeasurable. The industry’s reputation also suffers, discouraging foreign investment and collaborations that could bring much-needed modernisation and safety improvements.

To prevent such tragedies in the future, a comprehensive overhaul of the mining sector is imperative. The government must enforce stringent safety regulations and penalise violations without exception. Investments in modern equipment, such as gas detection systems and robust ventilation mechanisms, are critical to creating safer working environments. Mandatory training programmes should also be introduced to educate miners and mine owners on safety protocols and emergency responses.

Learning from global best practices is essential. Countries like Australia and South Africa have demonstrated that implementing strict safety standards, coupled with regular inspections and technological advancements, can significantly reduce mining-related fatalities. Pakistan must align itself with these global standards by ratifying and implementing ILO conventions on mine safety, particularly C-176, to protect the safety and health of mine workers. This move would not only safeguard miners but also enhance the country’s credibility on the international stage.

Establishing welfare schemes for miners and their families can also provide a safety net during unforeseen accidents. Compensation mechanisms, insurance coverage, and access to healthcare should be prioritised to ensure that victims and their dependents are not left destitute.

The tragedy in Balochistan’s coal mines is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the industry's systemic issues. Addressing these challenges and providing enabling environments for miners requires political will, corporate responsibility, and a commitment to prioritising human lives over profits. Until these changes are implemented, the lives of Pakistan’s miners will continue to hang in the balance, and the cycle of preventable tragedies will persist.


The writer is a retired chairman of the StateEngineering Corporation and former member (PT) of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority.