The recent marble mine collapse in Mardan, Pakistan, resulted in the tragic deaths of nine workers, shedding light on the systemic neglect in the country’s mining sector. The incident underscores the lack of safety regulations and inadequate protocols in Pakistan’s mining industry, making it a hazardous and neglected sector prone to accidents.
The mining sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is governed by two legislations aimed at enhancing mine safety, inspection, and regulation. However, the implementation of these laws has not been effective, leaving miners vulnerable to risks due to insufficient training, support, and low wages, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Pakistan’s mining industry has witnessed several fatal incidents in recent months, including a coal mine landslide in Quetta that claimed two lives and methane gas-related accidents in Balochistan that resulted in the deaths of four miners. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures, proper training, and access to emergency services for mine workers to prevent such incidents in the future.
