New Delhi: A technical team from the Ministry of Coal has inspected coal-bearing areas in Meghalaya to assess the feasibility of resuming small-scale coal mining, which has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on rat-hole mining in the state in 2014, officials said on Sunday.
The team comprised officials from the Ministry of Coal, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). During its visit last week, the team inspected mining areas in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Hills, accompanied by officials from the Meghalaya Directorate of Mineral Resources.
The inspection is part of ongoing discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre to explore options for restarting small-scale coal mining while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards and legal requirements.
Coal Ministry Team Assesses Scientific Mining Options
Director of Mineral Resources M P Tongper said the inspection aimed to examine the feasibility of conducting coal mining operations in a safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable manner, considering Meghalaya’s geological conditions and landholding patterns.
During the visit, the technical team examined the mining methods practised in the region and assessed the requirements for developing a suitable mining framework.
The team also held discussions with senior state government officials on challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental measures required to facilitate scientific mining suited to the state’s geological conditions.
Key areas examined during the assessment included:
- Mining feasibility: Evaluating the possibility of resuming small-scale coal mining.
- Safety standards: Identifying requirements for safer mining operations.
- Environmental compliance: Ensuring that any proposed mining activity meets applicable environmental requirements.
- Geological conditions: Considering the state’s geology and landholding patterns while evaluating suitable mining methods.
- Local miners’ concerns: Discussing challenges faced by communities dependent on coal mining.
Further technical assessments and follow-up meetings between the state government and the Centre are expected in the coming weeks.
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Meghalaya Government Seeks Revival of Coal Mining
The inspection follows efforts by the Meghalaya government to explore viable options for reviving the state’s coal mining sector while addressing concerns over livelihoods and environmental protection.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7 to raise the concerns of coal-dependent families and discuss possible ways to restart mining activities.
Sangma had emphasised the state’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.
The state government is working with the Ministry of Coal and local miners to explore a framework that could support safe, scientific and sustainable mining operations, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
The proposed assessment is intended to help determine whether small-scale mining can be undertaken under a framework that addresses the state’s specific geological conditions and the concerns of local communities.
NGT Ban on Rat-Hole Mining in Meghalaya
Rat-hole mining involves extracting coal through narrow, horizontal tunnels, often with limited space for workers and equipment. The practice has raised serious concerns over worker safety and environmental damage.
In 2014, the National Green Tribunal imposed a ban on rat-hole mining in Meghalaya. Since then, the question of resuming coal mining under legally compliant and scientific methods has remained a key issue for the state.
The latest inspection seeks to assess possible mining approaches that comply with applicable environmental, safety and legal requirements. However, the visit represents a technical assessment, and any resumption of mining would depend on the necessary approvals and compliance with the relevant regulations.
Meghalaya Coal Stock Shortage Under Scrutiny
The development comes days after a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court sought a detailed inquiry into the reported shortage of approximately 13.02 lakh metric tonnes of inventoried coal, equivalent to around 52,000 truckloads.
The committee called for a detailed investigation into the missing coal stock and for responsibility to be fixed.
The issue has added to the scrutiny surrounding coal management in the state, where authorities are simultaneously examining the prospects of restarting mining and addressing concerns related to existing coal stocks.
The state Directorate of Mineral Resources will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Coal and other concerned departments as technical assessments and discussions progress.
About CMPDI
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) is a consultancy and engineering organisation in the coal and mineral sectors. It provides services related to mine planning, exploration, environmental management and allied technical areas. CMPDI operates as a subsidiary of Coal India Limited and supports the planning and development of mining projects.
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