Shillong, Oct 11: Meghalaya has moved a step closer to reviving small-scale coal mining, which has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in 2014.
A technical team from the Union Ministry of Coal, along with officials from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited and the Directorate General of Mines Safety, visited and inspected coal-bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills last week. The team was accompanied by officers of the State Directorate of Mineral Resources.
Officials said the visit is a follow-up to ongoing discussions between the State and the Centre to find ways to operationalise small-scale mining in the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7 to raise the concerns of coal-dependent families.
During the inspection, the team examined existing mining methods and assessed the feasibility of resuming operations in a safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable manner, keeping in view the state’s unique geology and landholding pattern.
The team later held a meeting with senior state government officials to discuss challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for scientific mining suited to Meghalaya.
Chief Minister Sangma said the government is committed to exploring viable options to restart coal mining in the state, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
“Our government is committed to exploring viable options to restart coal mining in Meghalaya, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. By working together with the Ministry of Coal and local miners, we can develop a framework that ensures sustainable, safe and scientific mining operations,” Sangma said.
The Directorate of Mineral Resources thanked the Ministry of Coal, CMPDIL and DGMS for their technical support and cooperation.
Officials said further assessments and follow-up meetings are expected in the coming weeks to take the process forward and develop a framework for legal and scientific small-scale mining in the state.
The ban on rat-hole mining since 2014 has severely affected livelihoods in coal-rich districts, particularly in East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills and East Garo Hills, where many families depended on coal for income.
