Working hours in mines: sections 28 to 33 of the Mines Act 1952 explained

Last updated 24 Oct 2026 · India

Short answer. Under the Mines Act 1952, no person may work in a mine on more than six days a week (section 28). An adult employed above ground may not work more than 48 hours a week or 9 hours a day, with a rest interval of at least half an hour after 5 hours and a spread-over of not more than 12 hours (section 30). Below ground the limit is 48 hours a week or 8 hours a day (section 31). Work beyond these limits is overtime, paid at twice the ordinary rate of wages (section 33).

Revision table

Section	Rule
28	Weekly day of rest: not more than 6 days' work in a week
30	Above ground: 48 h/week, 9 h/day; ½ h rest after 5 h; spread-over 12 h
31	Below ground: 48 h/week, 8 h/day
33	Overtime: twice the ordinary rate of wages

Exam traps

Mixing up the daily limit: 9 above, 8 below.
Forgetting that the weekly limit (48) applies in both places.
Overtime is twice, not one and a half times.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a day can a person work below ground in a mine?

Not more than 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week (section 31 of the Mines Act 1952).

What are the limits above ground?

48 hours a week and 9 hours a day, with a rest interval of at least half an hour after 5 hours and a 12-hour spread-over (section 30).

What is the overtime rate under the Mines Act?

Twice the ordinary rate of wages (section 33).

Official sources

Not legal advice. This is a free explainer of public rules for exam preparation and general awareness; confirm the current text of the Mines Act and DGMS circulars before acting. Last checked 24 Oct 2026.

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