From Papers to Pit: How DGMS Inspects a Mine

From Papers to Pit: How DGMS Inspects a Mine

• Blogs
• Sep 03, 2025

It’s a normal day at the quarry. Dumpers roar, shovels bite, and the dust hangs thick in the air.

Then suddenly, a white Gypsy pulls up at the gate.

On the red board: DMS/DDMS from DGMS office.

Your heart skips. Because this isn’t a visitor—it’s the watch persons of mine safety.

So, what exactly happens during a DGMS inspection? Let’s walk through it step by step. 

1. Permission Records = Your Entry Pass

Just like a school picnic needed a permission slip, mining needs approvals. DGMS checks:

 - Lease deed copy

- GO (Government Order) copy

- Magazine license

-  Permissions under MMR 106(2)(b)

👉 No permission = no mining.

2. Appointments & Documents = The Team on Paper

A cricket team needs its captain on the scorecard. Mines are no different. DGMS asks for:

- Notice of opening

- Appointment of Owner, Agent, Manager, Assistant Manager

- Appointment of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

👉 If it’s not on paper, the person doesn’t count.

3. Returns = The Report Cards

Like exam results, mines must submit their report cards:

- Quarterly returns

- Annual returns

👉 Missed returns = suspicion of hiding marks.

4. Records = The Black Box

An airplane has a black box. Mines have registers. DGMS flips through:

- SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

- Safety Management Plan

- Forms A to E

- Brake Test Register

👉 If it’s not written, DGMS assumes it never happened.

5. Diaries = The Homework Books

Mining diaries are like homework logs:

- Manager’s diary

- Assistant Manager’s diary

- Foreman’s diary

- Mate’s diary

- Blaster’s diary

👉 Blank pages = incomplete homework.

6. Monitoring Records = The Mine’s Health Report

Just like a patient goes for check-ups, a mine needs:

- Dust monitoring

- Noise survey & noise mapping

- Illumination survey

- Free silica analysis

👉 Ignore them, and your workforce pays the price.

7. Plans = Google Maps of the Mine

Updated mine maps = safe navigation. DGMS checks:

- Surface Plan

- Water Danger Plan

- Emergency Preparedness Plan

- Sections

👉 Old maps = blindfolded mining.

8. Field Check = The Reality Test

Finally, the inspector takes a walk. They check:

- First Aid Room

- Benches & slope stability

- Haul road width & gradient

- Statutory persons on duty

- Mine workings & dumps

- Illumination levels

👉 If it looks unsafe, work stops. No debate.

🎯 The Takeaway

A DGMS inspection isn’t a raid. It’s a reality check.

Because mining without safety isn’t efficiency—it’s gambling. And in mining, gambling costs lives.

So, when the white Gypsy rolls in, don’t panic. If your checklist is in order, it’s business as usual.

👉 Want the complete DGMS inspection checklist simplified, Visit reference link.