The Mines Act, 1952 seeks to regulate the working conditions of labour in mines by providing measures to be taken for the safety of the workers employed therein. To the implement the provisions of Mines Act, 1952, the Central Government has framed the Mines rules, 1955, Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, and the Maternity Benefit (Mines) Rules, 1963, etc. to provide for the procedural aspects. The Mines Act, 1952 has prescribed duties of the owner (defined as the proprietor, lessee or an agent) to manage mines and mining operation and the health and safety in mines. It also prescribes the number of working hours in mines, the minimum wage rates, and other related matters. Both penal and pecuniary punishments are prescribed for violation of obligation and duties under the Act.
