New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has emerged as the leading organisation in India in scientific mine closure, having successfully completed the closure of 28 abandoned mines, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries. The company accounts for 67% of all abandoned mines scientifically closed in the country.
SECL also achieved a major milestone in FY 2025-26, when it scientifically closed 25 abandoned mines in a single year, the highest annual achievement by any organisation in India.
For SECL, mine closure is considered an integral part of the mining lifecycle rather than the end of mining operations. After coal extraction is completed, the company focuses on securing mine sites, restoring land and preparing reclaimed areas for productive future use.
SECL’s Phased Plan to Close 54 Abandoned Mines
SECL has identified 54 abandoned mines for scientific closure. The company has already completed the closure of:
- 3 mines in FY 2024-25
- 25 mines in FY 2025-26
- 11 mines targeted for FY 2026-27
- 15 mines targeted for FY 2027-28
With this phased approach, SECL aims to complete the scientific closure and rehabilitation of all 54 identified abandoned mines by FY 2027-28.
To improve planning and strengthen stakeholder participation, District Mine Closure Advisory Committees (DMCACs) have been constituted across all 10 operational districts of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where SECL operates.
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Scientific Reclamation and Productive Land Use
SECL’s scientific mine closure process covers several measures to ensure that abandoned mining areas are made safe and environmentally sustainable.
The process includes:
- Permanent sealing of underground mine openings
- Demolition of obsolete infrastructure
- Treatment of subsidence areas
- Installation of safety measures
- Land reclamation
- Plantation
- Ecological restoration
After reclamation, the land is assessed for productive utilisation, including renewable energy generation, community infrastructure, livelihood creation and environmental conservation.
SECL is currently implementing eight mine repurposing projects across reclaimed mining areas.
Solar Power Projects on Reclaimed Mine Land
Renewable energy is one of the key areas of SECL’s mine repurposing strategy.
The Kenapara Eco Park at Bishrampur has already been completed on reclaimed mine land. Meanwhile, a 5 MW solar power project integrated with an eco park is under implementation at Vivek Nagar Underground Mine.
SECL has also commissioned 20 MW solar power plants at Bhatgaon and Bishrampur. In addition:
- A 40 MW solar project at Pinoura Underground Mine is under implementation.
- A 55 MW solar power project covering Jamuna Underground and Govinda Underground mines has been planned.
These projects are aimed at expanding renewable energy generation while making productive use of reclaimed mine land.
Abandoned Mines Transformed into Community Assets
Several reclaimed mine sites have been converted into public infrastructure and facilities for surrounding communities.
Key examples include:
- Korba 3 & 4 Underground Mine: Reclaimed land integrated into the Bal Vihar Higher Secondary School campus.
- North Jhagrakhand Underground Mine: Developed into a public park and water filtration plant.
- Subhash Incline: Former service building converted into a municipal water treatment facility.
- South Jhagrakhand 5 & 6 Underground Mine: Reclaimed area now houses a CISF post.
- South Jhagrakhand 10 & 11 Underground Mine: Developed into a public park.
- Banki 7 & 8 Underground Mine: Reclaimed area supports a health centre and weekly market.
- Banki 5 & 6 Underground Mine: Converted into a community centre.
Plantation and Environmental Restoration
Environmental restoration is a major component of SECL’s mine closure programme.
At Chachai Underground Mine, nearly 35,000 saplings have been planted following the sealing of mine openings and demolition of obsolete structures.
Dense plantations have also been developed at:
- Ramnagar Underground Mine
- Korea Underground Mine
- Malga Underground Mine
Meanwhile, naturally regenerated vegetation has been preserved at Rajgamar 8 & 9 Underground Mine and Pure Chirimiri Underground Mine to support biodiversity and ecological recovery.
Skill Development and Livelihood Generation
SECL’s mine repurposing initiatives also focus on creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The company has organised skill development programmes and health camps in reclaimed mine areas. Local residents have received training in areas such as:
- Computer education
- Tailoring
- Handicrafts
- Mushroom cultivation
- Pickle making
- Other income-generating activities
SECL is also promoting pisciculture on reclaimed mine water bodies. These initiatives are expected to produce around 25 tonnes of fish annually, create employment opportunities for 206 people and generate potential annual income of around ₹3 lakh per participating family.
SECL Plans More Mine Repurposing Projects
SECL has identified several future uses for reclaimed mining areas, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation and community development.
Planned initiatives include:
- Jamuna Open Cast Mine: Eco-tourism, pisciculture, poultry farming and masala processing.
- Baiga Open Cast Mine: Honey processing, turmeric cultivation and cage culture.
- Banki Underground Mine: Training centre, compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant and fruit-bearing plantations.
These initiatives are aimed at converting former mining areas into productive assets that can continue to benefit local communities after mining operations end.
CMD Harish Duhan Highlights Sustainable Mine Closure
SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan said scientific mine closure represents the responsible completion of the mining lifecycle and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable mining.
“At SECL, mine closure is not the end of mining but the beginning of a new chapter,” Duhan said, highlighting the company’s focus on restoring land, protecting the environment and converting reclaimed mine areas into productive assets.
He added that these assets can generate clean energy, support livelihoods and serve local communities, with every scientifically closed mine reflecting SECL’s commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development.
About SECL
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The company contributes significantly to India’s energy security while focusing on sustainable mining, environmental conservation, land reclamation, and community development initiative
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