Draft Regulations for Occupational Safety, Health and Working Environment in Coal Mining Operations 2026: Complete Regulatory Framework Analysis
Introduction to the Proposed Coal Mining Safety Framework
The Union Government has released for public consultation the draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Coal Mines) Regulations, 2026, pursuant to the legislative authority granted under Section 136 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. These proposed regulations represent a comprehensive overhaul of safety, health, welfare, and operational standards governing coal mining activities throughout the nation.
The public consultation period extends for forty-five days following the publication date of 28th January, 2026, during which stakeholders may submit their comments, objections, and recommendations to the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This initiative aims to consolidate fragmented regulatory provisions into a unified, modern framework that addresses contemporary challenges in coal mining operations.
Scope and Applicability of the Draft Framework
Territorial and Sectoral Coverage
The proposed regulations will apply uniformly across all coal mining operations within Indian territory upon their final notification. This universal application ensures consistent safety standards regardless of geographical location or operational scale. The framework encompasses both underground and surface mining activities, including mechanized opencast operations.
Replacement of Legacy Regulations
These draft provisions will supersede earlier regulatory instruments that governed coal mining safety, creating a singular authoritative document aligned with the parent legislation—the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. This consolidation eliminates regulatory ambiguity arising from multiple overlapping instruments.
Institutional Framework: Board of Mining Examination
Constitution and Composition
A significant institutional innovation within the draft regulations involves the establishment of the Board of Mining Examination. This statutory body will exercise comprehensive authority over certification processes for mining professionals. The Board's composition reflects technical expertise and regulatory experience:
Leadership Structure:
- The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator serves as ex-officio Chairperson
- Five members possessing mining engineering degrees
- One electrical engineering expert with twenty years of mining-related experience
- Chief Electrical Inspector or designate under the Electricity Act, 2003
Member Qualifications:
Members must demonstrate one of the following credentials:
- First Class Manager's Certificate of Competency under Regulation 4
- Minimum twenty years' practical experience in coal mine management and supervision
- At least five years' teaching experience in mining engineering education
- Five years' engagement in mining research or planning activities
The composition ensures at least three members possess practical mining management experience, while at least one member brings academic or research credentials.
Tenure and Operational Procedures
Board members (excluding the Chairperson) hold office for three-year terms, with eligibility for reappointment. The framework provides for voluntary resignation, automatic cessation upon superannuation, and replacement procedures for vacancies.
Meeting Requirements:
The Board operates through formal meetings requiring:
- Minimum ten days' advance notice (reduced to two days for emergent situations)
- Quorum of three members including the Chairperson
- Physical or video conference participation
- Majority decision-making with casting vote provisions for the Chairperson
An Inspector-cum-Facilitator nominated by the Chief Inspector serves as Board Secretary, maintaining minutes and facilitating administrative functions.
Powers and Functions
The Board exercises extensive authority including:
- Granting certificates of competency across multiple categories
- Suspending or cancelling certificates based on negligence or misconduct
- Formulating examination bye-laws and procedures
- Exempting candidates from examination requirements under specified conditions
- Appointing examiners and fixing remuneration
Certification Framework for Mining Professionals
Categories of Certificates of Competency
The draft regulations establish seven distinct certificate categories, each tailored to specific operational responsibilities:
1. Manager's First Class Certificate
This certificate authorizes comprehensive mine management responsibilities across all operational scales and complexities. Holders may manage coal mining operations of any magnitude without restrictions.
2. Manager's Second Class Certificate
This intermediate management credential permits supervision of coal mining operations subject to output and employment thresholds that the Board may prescribe.
3. Surveyor's Certificate
This specialized certification qualifies professionals to conduct surveying operations essential for mine planning, regulatory compliance, and safety management.
4. Mining Supervisor's Certificate
This certificate authorizes individuals to perform supervisory duties, inspections, and operational oversight within designated mine sections or districts.
5. Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificate
This entry-level supervisory credential permits carrying out inspections and supervisory functions under the direction of higher-ranked officials.
6. Winding Engine Operator's Certificate
This operational certificate qualifies individuals to operate winding engines of specified types or classes, essential for shaft operations in underground mines.
7. Electrical Supervisor's Certificate (Mining Installations)
This specialized certification covers supervision, examination, and duties related to electrical installations in mining environments, aligning with the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023.
Restrictions and Endorsements
Certificates (except Winding Engine Operator's and Electrical Supervisor's certificates) may be restricted to opencast operations only. The Mining Supervisor's and Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificates may carry additional restrictions limiting validity to opencast workings without blasting operations. Such restrictions are endorsed on the certificate face.
Transitional Provisions for Legacy Certificates
The draft regulations provide continuity for certificates granted under predecessor legislation:
- Engine Driver's Certificates granted under the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 and 2017 will be deemed equivalent to Winding Engine Operator's Certificates
- Overman's Certificates will be recognized as Mining Supervisor's Certificates
- Sirdar's Certificates will be treated as Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificates
This transitional recognition protects existing credential holders while aligning them with the new nomenclature and framework.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualification Requirements
Age and Medical Fitness Standards
Age Restrictions:
Candidates for Board examinations must meet age criteria:
- Minimum age: Twenty years
- Maximum age: Sixty-five years for examination eligibility
Medical Certification Requirements:
Every examination applicant must submit a medical certificate issued within one year preceding application by a qualified medical practitioner holding MBBS qualification and registered with the National Medical Commission. The certificate must confirm:
- Absence of hearing impairment
- Normal vision including color perception
- Freedom from mental or physical conditions affecting work efficiency
For persons holding managerial positions or official appointments beyond age sixty, annual medical fitness certification becomes mandatory.
Educational Qualifications
Minimum Academic Standards:
Candidates for Manager's Certificate, Surveyor's Certificate, Mining Supervisor's Certificate, Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificate, Winding Engine Operator's Certificate, or Electrical Supervisor's Certificate must possess:
- Senior secondary school certificate, or
- Intermediate examination certification, or
- Equivalent qualification from recognized Board or University
Progressive Qualification Requirements:
The framework establishes hierarchical prerequisites:
- First Class Manager's Certificate requires prior possession of Second Class Manager's Certificate
- Second Class Manager's Certificate requires prior Mining Supervisor's Certificate or qualifying degree
- Mining Supervisor's Certificate requires prior Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificate or qualifying diploma
However, the Board retains discretionary authority to grant exemptions from these sequential requirements based on examination bye-laws.
Practical Experience Requirements
For Manager's Certificates:
The draft prescribes specific practical experience thresholds:
First Class Manager's Certificate: One year of practical coal mining experience following the effective date of Second Class Manager's Certificate
Second Class Manager's Certificate: Either one year following mining engineering degree completion or three years following Mining Supervisor's Certificate effectiveness
For Surveyor's Certificate:
Candidates must possess two years' practical surveying experience of types specified by the Board. This requirement reduces to six months for candidates completing approved institutional training in theoretical and practical surveying.
For Mining Supervisor's Certificate:
Qualifying experience includes one year in coal mining following:
- Diploma in Mining, Mining Engineering, or Mining and Mine Surveying, or
- Effective date of Assistant Mining Supervisor's Certificate, or
- Other equivalent Board-approved qualification