Tribute to mine workers
40 days of government support for Tabas mine victims
A ceremony was held on Thursday to pay tribute to the 53 miners who lost their lives in the Tabas mining accident, 40 days after the tragic incident in the eastern Iranian province of South Khorasan.
The ceremony was attended by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq-Malvajerd, Minister of Cooperatives, and Labour, and Social Welfare Ahmad Meydari, and other officials.
During the ceremony, Minister Sadeq-Malvajerd expressed the government’s condolences and support for the families of the victims. “Our message is that we understand and share your grief,” she said. “We have not left you alone in these 40 days, and we will continue to stand by you in the future. In fact, there was not a single cabinet meeting where the miners of Tabas were not discussed.”
The government has also recognized the importance of providing housing for the families. Minister Sadeq-Malvajerd announced that 53 families received new homes, with the government covering the costs of construction and providing financial assistance for mortgage payments.
Minister Meydari also spoke at the ceremony, announcing that the government has allocated a budget to support miners who are unable to work due to safety concerns. “A budget has been set aside to pay the salaries of miners who are unable to work for three months due to safety issues,” he said.
Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah, Vice President for Executive Affairs, emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing human life. “In the government of national unity, human life is precious,” he said. “Our country needs production, and if there is a lack of housing, we need to create wealth through production.”
Parliament Speaker Qalibaf also addressed the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety in mines. “We do not have the right to leave a worker unemployed, and the worker does not have the right to work in unsafe conditions,” he said. “Mining is one of the country’s invaluable capacities, and we have cities like Tabas, which is a paradise for mines. Why should people face economic problems?”
Qalibaf also stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future. “We should not create an environment that puts workers’ lives at risk,” he said.
The government’s efforts to support the survivors and their families have been multifaceted. The Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade has conducted a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and has established a special task force to oversee the implementation of safety measures in mines across the country. The ministry has also issued a directive to all mines to conduct regular safety inspections and implement necessary safety protocols.
In addition to these measures, the government has provided financial support to the families of the victims. The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has announced a one-time payment of $3,000 to each family, as well as full insurance coverage, including medical and funeral expenses.