At least 69 coal miners lost their lives and 29 were injured in 51 coal mine accidents in Balochistan in 2023, according to the officials at the Department of Minerals. The accidents were reported in Mach, Dukki, Shahragh, Chamalang, and Quetta areas.
This year, the highest number of accidents in coal mines took place in the Dukki coal mines, the Mineral Department has closed more than 100 coal mines in Balochistan due to lack of proper safety measures, more than 20 coal mines have been closed in Dukki alone.
According to labor leaders, these arrangements are not certain in Balochistan’s coal mines, due to which accidents in mines have become daily routine.
Labour leaders claim that the coal mines belong to influential people. In case of accidents, not only is no action taken against them, but they are also not bound to ensure safety precautions.
It’s pertinent to mention that coal mining is one of the major industries in Balochistan but lack of modern industries and basic safety measures have been seen due to which thousands of miners have lost their lives.