1️⃣ Introduction

Innovation and technological advancement are essential for improving mine safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability. However, all Research and Development (R&D) projects conducted in operating mines must adhere to a defined protocol for clearance to ensure they do not compromise safety, statutory compliance, or production continuity. The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has established a structured procedure for clearance of R&D projects, especially those involving new equipment, materials, systems, or experimental operations within mine premises.

2️⃣ Legal & Regulatory Framework

3️⃣ Objectives of the R&D Clearance Protocol

• To ensure mine safety during research or experimental trials.
• To evaluate technical feasibility and risk before project initiation.
• To define roles and responsibilities of researchers and mine management.
• To maintain uniform procedure for granting DGMS clearance.
• To encourage innovation while safeguarding statutory compliance.

4️⃣ Scope of R&D Activities Requiring DGMS Clearance

• Development or testing of new mining machinery or equipment.
• Field trials of new explosive or blasting techniques.
• Implementation of new safety systems, sensors, or communication tools.
• Use of novel ventilation or gas detection devices.
• Studies involving ground control, strata monitoring, or water management innovations.
• Any modification in existing mine systems affecting safety.

5️⃣ Step-by-Step Protocol for Clearance

1. Proposal Submission: The proponent submits an application to DGMS, including project summary, objectives, risk analysis, and expected outcomes.
2. Mine Owner’s Consent: Written permission from mine management (NOC) confirming cooperation.
3. Preliminary Safety Review: DGMS reviews hazards, controls, and compliance. May involve field inspection.
4. DGMS Conditional Approval: Permission issued specifying precautions, monitoring, reporting, and validity period (usually 6–12 months).
5. Implementation & Supervision: Project conducted under joint supervision of mine manager and researcher. DGMS regional officer inspects periodically.
6. Final Evaluation & Reporting: Detailed report submitted to DGMS summarizing findings and safety performance. DGMS may recommend technology adoption.

6️⃣ Key Safety Requirements During R&D

• Project should not endanger life, property, or environment.
• No deviation from approved working or safety plan.
• Qualified personnel to handle experiments.
• Adequate risk control measures – ventilation, communication, firefighting, and first aid.
• Regular monitoring and reporting to DGMS.

7️⃣ Responsibilities of Stakeholders

8️⃣ Reporting & Recordkeeping

• Maintain R&D Project Logbook at mine site.
• Record all field trials, results, and incidents.
• Submit quarterly reports to DGMS Regional Office.
• Final completion report reviewed by DGMS (Tech) Division.

⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)

• DGMS clearance mandatory for R&D in operating mines.
• Governed by DGMS Circular (Tech.) 06 of 2019.
• Mines Act, 1952 empowers DGMS for such approvals.
• Proposal must include risk assessment and mine owner consent.
• Conditional clearance valid for 6–12 months.
• Project must not compromise worker safety.
• Quarterly progress reports to DGMS.
• Final review before technology approval.
• Field trials under supervision of mine manager.
• Record maintained in R&D Project Logbook.

🧠 Descriptive Model Question & Answer

🎯 25 MCQs – R&D Project Clearance Protocol