New Delhi: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) inaugurated the Annual Mine Safety Fortnight 2025 on 17 November 2025, with Mr. Anandji Prasad, Director (Technical – Operations / Projects & Planning), leading the event. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Director (Human Resources), Mr. CJ Joseph, Coal India Safety Board Member, Mr. SR Gabale, Operations Committee Member, Mr. Dinesh Bisen, General Manager (Safety & Rescue), and all departmental heads from WCL headquarters.
Fortnight-Long Programme Across WCL Mines
The safety fortnight, held under the guidance of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), will be observed across all 47 WCL mines, including 30 opencast and 17 underground mines, from 17 November to 1 December 2025. The programme emphasizes collaborative inspections and knowledge sharing, fostering a unified approach toward enhancing mining safety standards.
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Focus Areas: Stability and Safe Handling of Explosives
Key safety focus areas for this year’s programme include bench and dump slope stability and the safe storage, transportation, and usage of explosives in mining operations. These aspects are crucial to reducing operational hazards and reinforcing a strong culture of vigilance and risk mitigation among all mining personnel.
Cross-Functional Teams to Ensure Effective Oversight
During the fortnight, multidisciplinary teams from different mining areas of WCL will conduct inspections across the mines. This cross-functional review ensures objectivity, knowledge sharing, and adoption of best practices, helping to maintain high safety benchmarks and operational excellence throughout WCL.
About Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Western Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is one of India’s leading coal-producing companies, operating a mix of opencast and underground mines across central India. WCL has consistently emphasized mine safety, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency, aligning with national safety regulations and DGMS guidelines.
