Minister Jeannette Jara Delivered the Document to the ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo

At the headquarters of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Jeannette Jara, officially deposited the instrument ratifying ILO Convention 176 on safety and health in mining on behalf of Chile.

With this, the instrument will come into effect in the country 12 months after the date on which its ratification is registered with the ILO.

“This Convention strengthens our mining safety and health regulations, particularly given the mining nature of our country and the contribution it makes to our economy,” said Minister Jara.

The minister explained that “the main goal of this international convention is to establish regulations that further enhance the safety and well-being of workers, ensuring that when they go out to earn their livelihood, they return home safe and sound.”

Ana Lamas, from the Confederation of Copper Workers, added, “It is a source of pride and honor to fulfill a stage of this important process for the workers, which involves the deposit of Convention 176 on safety and health in mining. This has been a long-held aspiration of workers, as it concerns the lives of each one of them.”

Convention 176

On December 12, 2023, the Chilean Congress passed the agreement ratifying ILO Convention 176. As recommended by the international organization, the instrument was addressed in a tripartite manner, involving the government, workers, and employers.

Chile is one of the 35 countries that have ratified this convention, which has primarily been ratified by nations where mining plays a significant role in the economy.

The instrument provides important definitions of concepts such as “mine” and “employer,” the latter encompassing principal contractors, contractors, and subcontractors.

It also outlines the rights and obligations of workers and employers in the sector and recommends a series of measures to align national legislation with the contents of the convention. Additionally, it includes the designation of a competent authority responsible for overseeing and regulating various aspects of mine safety and health, facilitating adequate inspection services to supervise the implementation of measures, and providing the necessary resources for their tasks.