Forty-eight-year-old Zardalu from district Harani, Balochistan is still stricken with grief with the death of his young son who was killed while mining.
A dozen miners were killed in Jalat Khan coal company mine in March 2024 when they were suffocated by methane gas that filled the mine.
“I feel extreme sorrow and grief day and night over my son’s death. When I try to sleep at night, I can’t. Children are very precious.”
According to official figures, including in Quetta, Bolan, Harani, Loralai, and Duki, more than 25 billion tons of coal reserves are present in the 26,000 coal mines of Balochistan,,
These mines employ more than 80,000 workers.
Abdul Ghani, Chief Inspector of Mines Balochistan, reveals that from January 2023 to March 2024, about 92 miners lost their lives.
Pakistan Central Mines and Labor Federation, demands preventive actions that can protect the lives of miners.
They argue that protective helmets, safety masks, and other health equipment are generally the responsibility of the mine company or contractor.
In case of fatal accidents during work, as per terms and conditions a compensation of Rs. 500,000 is provided by the company, while Balochistan Welfare Board pays Rs. 800,000.
Ahmed Khan, aged 37, was among the six individuals involved in the Zardalu incident.
He miraculously survived and stated that life in Balochistan’s coal mines is much darker than the dark mines themselves.
Speaking to JB Connects he said that for miners, there are no housing facilities, labor hospitals, no ambulances, and no rescue centers.
“Life and death are in God’s hands. If there had been a rescue center in Zardalu, we could have saved at least some, if not all, of the people.”
Coal extracted from various regions of Balochistan is used in various industries across the country, from brick kilns and cement factories to power plants.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the risks of working in coal mines in the province have increased due to old methods, outdated technology, and inadequate safety equipment.
In 2022, a “Fact Finding Report” was issued on violations of rights in Balochistan’s coal mines, expressing concern over deaths caused by mining.