Mohammad Reza Aref called for a swift investigation and follow-up on all aspects of the tragic Tabas mine collapse.
The First Vice President expressed his condolences and sympathy once again to the nation and the families of the victims and injured of the Tabas mine incident. He emphasized the need to investigate all aspects of this tragic event and to prevent such incidents in the future. He ordered the Ministers of Industry, Mine and Trade, Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, and oversight bodies to consolidate and present final and clear reports on this incident to the cabinet as soon as possible, within a maximum of two weeks.
Aref continued, stating that the Ministers of Industry, Mine and Trade, and Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare should, after thorough and expert examinations, compile a report on the causes of this incident within a maximum of two weeks. If there is any negligence, carelessness, or natural causes, those responsible should be held accountable. If natural causes and gas leakage are identified as the main reasons for the mine collapse, not only the Tabas mine but any of the more than 220 active mines in the country that do not meet the necessary standards should be closed, as human life is very precious and more important.
The First Vice President emphasized that all safety issues and workplace hazards in the country must be seriously monitored. He noted that unfortunately, these inspections and monitoring are not taken seriously, and necessary actions are not taken against offenders. Ensuring the safety of mines, especially coal mines due to the presence of methane gas, is of fundamental importance, and the environment of these mines must be made safe for the hardworking miners.