Explosives magazine licence for a mine or quarry: the PESO steps and the mistakes that delay it
The sequence
| Step | What to have ready |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose the site | Safety distances to buildings, roads and other works as required by the Rules for the quantity you want to store |
| 2. Site and plan approval | Drawings of the magazine and site plan, submitted to PESO before construction |
| 3. District NOC | No-objection certificate from the District Magistrate or other district authority |
| 4. Construction | Built exactly to the approved drawing (lightning protection, ventilation, fencing as approved) |
| 5. Inspection and grant | PESO inspection and licence with a permitted quantity |
| 6. Renewal | Apply before expiry; keep records ready for inspection |
Day-to-day conditions mine officials trip on
- Never store more than the licensed quantity or a type the licence doesn't cover.
- Store detonators apart from explosives, as the licence conditions require.
- Keep the stock register (receipts, issues, balance) up to date every day.
- Report any loss or theft at once to the police and to PESO.
- Only competent, authorised persons handle and fire shots, as the DGMS regulations require (for example the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 for coal mines).
Common mistakes
- Building first, applying later. Plans must be approved before construction; changes afterwards mean resubmission.
- Applying without the district NOC. The application stalls.
- Letting the licence lapse during a production lull. Storage on an expired licence is an offence.
- Using a contractor's licence for the mine's own store. The licence is site- and holder-specific.
Checklist
- Site meets safety distances for the planned quantity
- Plans approved by PESO before building
- District NOC on file
- Licence, renewal date and quantity displayed and diarised
- Stock register and loss-reporting process in place
Frequently asked questions
Who issues an explosives magazine licence in India?
PESO, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, under the Explosives Act, 1884 and the Explosives Rules, 2008.
Do I need a district NOC for a magazine licence?
Yes. A no-objection certificate from the district authority is part of the application for a new magazine.
Can I build the magazine before approval?
You should not. Site and construction plans must be approved by PESO first, and the magazine must be built to the approved plan.
Does DGMS issue the magazine licence?
No. PESO licenses storage. DGMS regulations govern how blasting is done safely in mines and who may do it.
Official sources
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)
- Directorate General of Mines Safety
- DGMS: Coal Mines Regulations, 2017
- India Code: Explosives Act, 1884
Not tax or legal advice. This is a free explainer of public rules; deadlines and rules can change by notification, so confirm on the official portal or with your CA before you file. Last checked 20 Oct 2026.
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