**Subject:** Inquiry into Blasting Practices at Jindal SAW Limited Mine in Bhilwara, Rajasthan
**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Mines' response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 593, raised on July 23, 2025, regarding alleged excessive blasting by Jindal SAW Limited in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, and its impact on local residents.
The Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, stated that the Central Government enforces the Mines Act, 1952, to ensure mine worker safety and health. The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) administers this Act, with the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) responsible for mine inspections to ensure compliance. The Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961, established under the Mines Act, 1952, contains provisions for safe explosives handling and blasting. DGMS also conducts outreach programs on safe blasting practices.
MoLE received a complaint concerning blasting practices at Jindal Saw Limited's Lampiya Iron Ore, Copper and associated mineral mines. DGMS conducted an inquiry into this complaint. The inquiry found no reported loss of life due to blasting activities at the specified mine.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL: Member of LOK SABHA who raised the question about blasting in mining.
Jindal SAW Limited: Mining company alleged to be carrying out heavy blasting in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan.
Bhilwara district of Rajasthan: Location where the alleged heavy blasting by Jindal SAW Limited is taking place.
SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY: The Minister of Coal and Mines who provided the answer to the question.
Mines Act, 1952: Central Government act to ensure occupational safety and health of mine workers.
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The ministry responsible for administering the Mines Act, 1952.
Directorate General of Mines Safety: The directorate under the Ministry of Labour and Employment responsible for inspecting mines.
Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961: Regulations framed under the Mines Act, 1952 for safe storage, handling, transportation, use of explosives and blasting in the mines.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. †593
ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025
BLASTING IN MINING BEYOND THE PRESCRIBED NORM
†593. SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that heavy blasting beyond the prescribed norms
in the mining work being carried out by the Jindal SAW Limited in Bhilwara district of
Rajasthan is causing serious loss of life and property to the common people;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering seeking a report from the State
Government to probe this matter;
(d) if so, the details and time-limit thereof; and
(e) if not, the steps likely to be taken by the Government to protect the life and property
of the local residents?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) to (e): The Central Government has enacted the Mines Act, 1952 to ensure
occupational safety and health of mine workers. The said Act is administered by the
Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE). Directorate General of Mines Safety
(DGMS), under MoLE, is entrusted with the task of inspection of mines to ensure the
compliance of the provisions of the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations
framed thereunder for enhancing the safety of mine workers.
Adequate provisions have been incorporated in the Metalliferous Mines Regulations
1961 (framed under the Mines Act, 1952) for safe storage, handling, transportation,
use of explosives and blasting in the mines. DGMS also conducts outreach awareness
program and workshop on “Safe Explosive Handling and Blasting practices in mines”.
As per the information received from the MoLE, a complaint related to blasting in the
Lampiya Iron Ore, Copper and associated mineral mines of Jindal Saw Limited was
received and an inquiry into the complaint was conducted by DGMS. After inquiry, it
was found that no loss of life was reported due to blast in the said mines.
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