**District Mines Committee in Chakwal Moves to Improve Miners’ Welfare and Workplace Safety**
A meeting of the District Mines Committee in Chakwal, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, addressed key issues relating to the mining sector, with a focus on enhancing miners’ welfare, ensuring workplace safety, and promoting transparency in the industry. Senior officials from the Mines and Minerals Department, police, environment department, and other relevant agencies attended the session.
During the meeting, participants reviewed several important matters and adopted a series of decisions to improve conditions for mine workers and local communities. A primary agenda item was the compilation and maintenance of an updated, comprehensive database of mine workers. This measure aims to enable the effective implementation of welfare initiatives targeting miners’ health, safety, and quality of life.
The committee emphasized the need to improve working conditions in mines and enhance monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all mining operations comply with relevant laws and safety standards. Ongoing and more rigorous oversight is expected to better safeguard the wellbeing of workers.
In addition, land has been allocated to the Mines and Minerals Department for establishing a dedicated Mines and Minerals Welfare Hospital in Minarah, near Kallar Kahar. The new facility will provide essential health services to mine workers and their families, addressing a longstanding need in the region.
Responding to concerns from residents affected by mining activities, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the formation of a special committee to investigate complaints from communities living near mining sites. This body will conduct on-site assessments and submit detailed reports to facilitate timely and appropriate action.
The meeting underscored the district administration’s commitment to upholding transparency, enforcing legal requirements, and advancing the well-being of both miners and local populations, ensuring the sustainable growth of the mining sector without compromising safety or the interests of surrounding communities.
