THE MINES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2011

The Mines (Amendment) Bill, 2011 proposes to amend the Mines Act, 1952, to keep pace with changes in the mining sector and effectively manage safety and health risks. The amendments aim to clarify that the Act applies to the whole of India, including the Exclusive Economic Zone and Maritime Zones, and define "owner" as a person or authority having ultimate control over the mine. The Bill also proposes to increase penalties for contraventions of various provisions, such as obstruction of inspectors, falsification of records, employment of persons below 18 years of age, and failure to appoint a manager. Additionally, it seeks to shift the burden of proof in certain cases and provide that the person with actual ultimate control over the mine would continue to be liable for contraventions. The amendments are intended to bring about new mining legislation that addresses current and future needs in the profession.