THIS refers to Zeenat Hisam`s article `Safety through IT` (June 4 ). I appreciate the efforts of Ali Gul for putting his best to introduce Zigbee Technology for safe workplace for the mining community.

Although it is a great initiative to decrease mining accidents by introducing IToriented helmets and equipment, several other reforms are also required.

First, mining educational institutes must play their role by conducting industryoriented research to resolve the industry`s problems. This needs funds from the Higher Education Commission for the latest engineering tools and systems. As there are only five institutes offering engineering degrees in mining in Pakistan, it is not much difficult to establish and allocate separate funds for mining innovation and research.

Second, low wages result in brain drain and most of the skilled professionals prefer to serve in foreign countries, especially in the Gulf states. To tackle these issues, institutional reforms and proper regulation of the mining industry are required, with strict checks by government departments, i.e. inspectorate-general of mines, directorate of mines and minerals, etc.

Third, the mine-owners make the mining operations cost-effective to such an extent that it costs a human life. Most accidents occur because of poor roof support, lack of proper mine machinery like rope haulage and safety helmets, and the absence of direct and indirect firefighting equipment.

Rangzeb Goraya Lahore