Union Ministry of Coal Enhances Powers to Combat Illegal Mining in Assam

The Union Ministry of Coal has taken decisive action to combat illegal mining in Assam by empowering officials under the Mines and Minerals Act. This initiative aims to enhance monitoring and enforcement, protect national resources, and curb unlawful activities. Following recent joint operations with local police, the ministry's efforts are expected to strengthen legal support for surveillance in mining areas. Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of illegal mining on sensitive forest regions. This move reflects a broader commitment to accountability and sustainable practices in the mining sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 10:09 IST

Strengthening Measures Against Illegal Mining

A rat hole mine opening in Ledo, Assam (Photo: ANN Service)

Doomdooma, June 6: In a significant move to enhance the fight against illegal mining, coal theft, and unauthorized mineral transportation, the Union Ministry of Coal has granted additional powers to designated officials and security personnel of Coal India Limited (CIL), including those from the North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.

These powers, conferred through Gazette notifications under Sections 22, 23B, and 24 of the Act, will enable authorized personnel to aid in identifying, preventing, and reporting illegal mining activities, unlawful coal extraction, and unauthorized mineral transport.

Officials indicated that this initiative aims to safeguard national resources, reduce revenue losses, and enhance adherence to mining regulations through improved monitoring and enforcement strategies.

For the NEC, this authorization is anticipated to bolster legal backing for surveillance and enforcement operations throughout its mining regions in Assam.

The newly empowered officials will have the capability to assist in investigations, gather evidence, and collaborate more effectively with local administration and police during actions against violators.

This development follows several joint operations conducted by the NEC and Assam Police in recent months, which led to arrests and the confiscation of illegally mined coal and mining equipment.

Officials expressed optimism that these newly granted powers will further reinforce ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.

This initiative is also viewed as part of the government's broader strategy to enhance accountability, transparency, and stricter enforcement within the mining sector while promoting sustainable and lawful mineral extraction.

Earlier this year, environmental activist Apurba Ballav Goswami raised concerns about illegal rat-hole mining in the Jagun, Lekhapani, and Margherita forest areas in Assam, warning that such activities were putting pressure on forest regions adjacent to the ecologically sensitive Dehing Patkai National Park.

He urged the State government to bolster protection for the Tirap-Tipong forest corridor and called for stricter enforcement against unauthorized mining activities in the area.