Workers Neglected in Iran’s Unsafe Mines

Iranwire – Another victim of the gas leak explosion in Tunnel C of the Madanjo coal mine in Tabas has been declared brain dead, bringing the total death toll to 51. The incident occurred on the evening of September 21, resulting in the deaths of all 20 workers in Tunnel C. Seventeen workers were injured, two of whom have since been declared brain dead. At the time of the blast, a total of 69 people were working in tunnels B and C.

Abolfazl Hedayati, a safety and HSE engineer with experience in coal mines, explained to IranWire the severe effects of methane gas poisoning, even if the victim survives. Potential long-term consequences include memory loss, chronic heart and vascular problems, respiratory issues, and damage to the nervous system.

HSE, which stands for Health, Safety, and Environment, refers to a set of laws, regulations, and procedures to protect the safety of employees, workers, contractors, and the surrounding environment. In mining operations, HSE guidelines require monitoring four gases: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and combustible gases. This monitoring is typically carried out using both stationary and portable gas detectors.

IranWire’s investigation revealed that portable gas detectors in Iran cost approximately 12 to 14 million tomans, roughly equivalent to a worker’s monthly salary. This high cost could be a barrier to their widespread use, potentially compromising the safety of miners.

The families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, saying, “You make so much money from the mine. First, ensure the mine’s safety. If you can’t, shut it down. When a worker says there’s gas in the mine, don’t threaten them with dismissal.”

Hedayat explained, “The fundamental problem arises because companies and contractors carry out safety and HSE operations. If independent bodies or companies handled HSE, contractors would be less likely to ignore warnings by threatening the workers.”

The Madanjo mine disaster is not an isolated incident. Iran’s mining industry has a history of accidents, including the Zemestan-Yurt coal mine disaster in Golestan and the collapse of the Plasco and Metropol buildings. Despite these tragedies, there has been a lack of thorough investigations into their causes. 

A notable example is the 2004 freight train explosion near Neyshabur, killing at least 400 people. Even after 21 years, no detailed safety and HSE-based report or evaluation has been released to address the causes of this disaster and prevent future occurrences.

Dangers of Methane

Methane, a natural gas commonly found in coal mines, can pose serious health risks to workers. When present in high concentrations in confined spaces, methane can deprive individuals of oxygen, leading to suffocation and potential death. Additionally, while methane is not an irritant, exposure to liquid methane can cause frostbite and tissue damage.

Abolfazl Hedayati now works as a safety and HSE engineer at an oil and gas company in Mahshahr. He told IranWire, “The first impact of methane on workers is depriving them of oxygen, leading to serious brain and heart damage, and eventually death.” 

“The long-term effects of methane poisoning include chronic cardiovascular and respiratory problems, epilepsy, depression, and claustrophobia,” he added.

No Safety Masks, Torn Boots: A Minefield of Neglect

One of the most striking images from the Tabas mine explosion was the torn plastic boots of a worker who lost his life.

The sister of Mohammad Javad Beheshtipour, a victim of the explosion, described the unsafe working conditions: “They don’t provide boots, gloves, or masks. These workers are left with no lungs. My husband also works in this mine and comes home coughing with lungs full of coal dust.” 

During her brother’s mourning ceremony, she added, “Instead of providing proper safety boots, they give them these plastic shoes. Why can’t the workers have proper safety measures? First, prioritize safety for the workers, then make them work.”

Regarding the explosion and the unsafe conditions leading to the workers’ deaths, Hedayati told IranWire, “In this incident, luck, lack of adherence to safety principles, and low safety culture among workers and contractors all contributed to the severity and increased casualties. Otherwise, by following PPE [personal protective equipment] standards, we could have minimized the risks in such dangerous environments.”

He elaborated on PPE, explaining that workers should have access to equipment for head and face protection, respiratory system protection, hand and arm protection, leg and foot protection, ear protection, and body protection, especially flame-resistant clothing.

The sister of Valiollah Esmaeili, another victim of the Tabas mine explosion, said, “If you can’t ensure safety in the mine, shut it down. Where are the president and his deputies? Why don’t they visit the mine to see what’s going on? Who’s going to answer to my brother’s three children?”

Hedayati emphasized that safety issues, especially workers’ warnings about gas leaks, should not be ignored. He stated, “According to conflict-of-interest principles, contractors should not carry out safety supervision, especially in mines. Independent companies or organizations must oversee safety. Therefore, there should be a push to ensure that safety engineering and HSE are independent of contractors and implementing companies.”

Previously, Davood Rashtchian, a professor of safety engineering and HSE at Sharif University and the founder of the “Process Design, Safety, and Waste Reduction Center” at the university, said, “Health, safety, and environmental management is a governance issue, and a national organization should manage HSE.”

Gas Detection: A Lifesaver in Coal Mines

Gas detection is a crucial safety measure in mining operations, particularly in coal mines where methane gas can pose a significant risk of explosion. The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has established standards for gas detection in mines, which Iran has adopted. 

One of these standards is gas detection, which is based on the “Lower Explosive Limit” (LEL) and the “Upper Explosive Limit” (UEL). Hedayati explains, “For methane, the minimum concentration required for an explosion is 5 percent. In other words, if the methane concentration in the air is below 5 percent, the likelihood of an explosion is lower. If it exceeds 5 percent, the risk of an explosion increases. Depending on the situation and working environment, the LEL varies for different explosive gases.” 

The UEL, on the other hand, is the maximum concentration of a gas that can ignite or explode. Understanding both is essential for ensuring safe mining operations. 

Iran can reduce the risks associated with mining and create a safer working environment for its miners by ensuring that mining companies comply with safety standards.