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Concept Note: Enhancing Workforce Skills for Modern Mining Operations

The mining sector is rapidly advancing with the adoption of cutting-edge machinery and equipment. As industry leaders like L&T, Atlas Copco, Escorts, Hitachi, Mahindra, Tata, Jindal, Hindalco, and Vedanta lead this transformation, it is essential to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to operate and maintain this modern technology. This concept note outlines a strategy for skill development, aimed at both mine workers and young individuals, to enhance operational efficiency and address occupational health and safety (OHS) risks.

Skill Development Initiatives:

  1. On-the-Job Training for Mine Workers:
    • Skill Enhancement: Specialised programs at Vocational Training (VT) centers will offer hands-on training to mine workers and stone breakers, enabling them to proficiently operate modern machinery.
    • Maintenance and Repair Training: Workers will also receive training in basic maintenance and repair, empowering them to address technical issues on-site and reduce operational downtime.
  2. Training for Young Mechanics:
    • Vocational Training Programs: Young individuals will be trained as mechanics, focusing on the maintenance and repair of mining equipment. These programs will align with industry standards to meet the operational needs of mining companies.
    • Employment Opportunities: This training will create a skilled workforce of mechanics, providing employment within the industry and supporting the local economy.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Considerations:

  • Safety Protocols and Emergency Response: Comprehensive OHS modules will educate workers on safe operation practices and emergency response techniques, ensuring preparedness for potential hazards.
  • Alternative Livelihood Training: In case of accidents, affected workers will be offered vocational training for safer employment options outside the mines.

Implementation Strategy:

  1. Collaboration with Industry Leaders: We seek partnerships with leading companies to co-develop training programs specific to their machinery, ensuring that content is relevant and industry-aligned.
  2. Upgrading VT Centers: Existing VT centers will be enhanced with modern training equipment, offering courses from basic operation to advanced repair techniques.
  3. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular assessment of training effectiveness will ensure that mine workers and young individuals acquire the necessary skills for safe and efficient mining operations.

Call to Action: This initiative calls on industry leaders to share their expertise and resources, recognizing it as a moral obligation aligned with their business interests. By contributing to the development of a skilled and safety-conscious workforce, companies can ensure the sustainable growth of the mining industry.

MLPC: Advocating for Sustainable Employment and Global Security in ASM

The Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) is committed to ensuring the continued employment of mine workers in safe, dignified, and sustainable conditions. Our mission is to foster constructive collaboration with both the mining sector and the government to secure the livelihoods of those engaged in this vital industry. Mining and construction industries are the economic backbone of many developing countries, including India, where they play an especially crucial role.

India’s mining activities are concentrated in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is a key player in the nation’s mining landscape, with 0.5% of its geographical area dedicated to mining. The state is rich in both metallic and non-metallic minerals, accounting for 5% of the country’s total mining leases and covering 10.7% of the total mining area for major minerals. The sector contributes 3.23% to Rajasthan’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) as reported by the Government of Rajasthan (GoR) for 2022-23, providing employment to over 2.5 million workers across more than 33,000 mines.

A significant portion of this workforce is involved in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), a sector characterized by its seasonal nature and inherent vulnerabilities. ASM workers are often unqualified, uprooted individuals who migrate in search of livelihood opportunities. Their employment is precarious, heavily dependent on fluctuating market demand, which raises critical questions about how to secure their positions within the mining industry.

Securing ASM through Collaborative Global Efforts

MLPC believes that the sustainability of ASM must be addressed through collaborative efforts involving government, industry, and international stakeholders. The government’s mineral policy is central to this effort. It is imperative to recognize the unique challenges faced by ASM and to develop policies that provide a secure position for this sector within the broader mining industry. This includes aligning the Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMCR) more closely with the realities of ASM.

To further support these efforts, MLPC is actively engaged with the International Council on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ICASM), a global initiative aimed at improving the conditions and sustainability of ASM operations worldwide. ICASM focuses on addressing issues of safety, environmental impact, and economic stability in the ASM sector. By promoting best practices, offering policy guidance, and fostering international collaboration, ICASM plays a crucial role in elevating ASM to a recognized and secure component of the global mining industry. This collaboration is vital as ASM has become a global concern, with discussions now reaching international platforms, including the United Nations.

As such, our advocacy extends beyond Rajasthan and India to the global stage. We are committed to ensuring that ASM is given the secure position it deserves in the global mining discourse. This involves proposing recommendations to the mineral policy of Rajasthan that protect the interests of both workers and miners, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and contributing to the development of the state.

Advocating for Responsible Mining and Livelihood Security

ASM, particularly in Rajasthan, is crucial for producing low-carbon construction minerals, which are far more environmentally responsible than major minerals like coal. These transition minerals are key to a sustainable future. Rajasthan produces 72 types of minerals, including exclusive varieties found only in the state, and the mining sector provides employment to around 3 million workers.

Given the scale and significance of this sector, the Government of Rajasthan has implemented policies to secure minor minerals under the MMCR framework. However, there is now an urgent need for interventions that balance the interests of both workers and miners. Achieving this balance will enhance the sector’s sustainability, particularly in terms of livelihood security, and contribute to the overall development of the state.

MLPC is at the forefront of promoting these essential interventions to address the challenges inherent in ASM. Our strategy includes safeguarding the livelihoods and workplaces of marginalized workers, exploring alternative livelihood options, and providing mobile vocational training centers. By addressing the issues within ASM, we aim to facilitate a smooth transition into the next era of mineral production, while upholding social security and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

MLPC’s mission is clear: we advocate for a secure, sustainable, and responsible mining industry that prioritizes the welfare of all stakeholders, especially those in the ASM sector. Through collaboration with the government, active dialogue, and bringing ASM concerns to international platforms, we are committed to driving meaningful change that benefits both workers and the environment, ensuring a just transition in the global mining industry.

Holistic Mining

The mining sector is not only a cornerstone of our economy but also a domain where we are uniquely blessed with an abundance of diverse minerals, positioning our nation as a global leader in this industry. To fully harness this potential, we must elevate our approach from mere mineral extraction to a comprehensive and responsible mining strategy. This involves recognising the crucial role of mining engineers in ensuring that extraction is performed in the most effective and responsible manner, while also acknowledging the vital community stake through the employment opportunities the sector provides. Our commitment is to develop these resources in an inclusive and integrated manner, ensuring that this growth does not come at the cost of our environment, wildlife, or biodiversity. By embedding ethical practices, transparency, and accountability at the core of our operations, we can secure a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders.

To achieve this vision, it is essential to transition from a mineral-focused policy to a holistic mining policy. This shift reflects the reality that mining is not just about minerals; it encompasses the broader responsibility of managing the extraction process in a way that benefits our economy while protecting our natural heritage. A forward-looking mining policy will ensure that our nation remains a leader in responsible resource management, driving long-term prosperity and stability through sustainable practices. This is not merely a policy for the mining sector; it is a blueprint for an equitable and sustainable future that the government must endorse to secure our collective well-being.

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