Meghalaya Explores Resumption of Small-Scale Coal Mining
Inspection of Coal-Bearing Areas in Meghalaya
File image of Meghalaya CM Sangma meeting Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7. (Photo:@SangmaConrad/X)
Shillong, Oct 11: A team from the Coal Ministry has conducted an inspection of coal-rich regions in Meghalaya to evaluate the potential for restarting small-scale mining, which has been halted since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014.
This team, which included officials from the Ministry of Coal, the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), visited the mining sites in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills last week, alongside representatives from the state Directorate of Mineral Resources.
During their visit, the team assessed the mining techniques used in these areas and evaluated the feasibility of conducting operations in a manner that is safe, scientific, and environmentally sustainable, considering the local geology and land ownership patterns.
Following the inspection, discussions were held with senior officials from the state government regarding the challenges faced by local miners and the necessary technical, safety, and environmental standards for scientific mining that aligns with the geological conditions of the state.
M P Tongper, the Director of Mineral Resources, stated on Sunday that this inspection is part of ongoing dialogues between the Meghalaya government and the central authorities to find ways to resume small-scale coal mining while adhering to environmental, safety, and legal standards.
On July 7, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi to address the concerns of families reliant on coal and to explore possibilities for revitalizing the sector.
"Our government is dedicated to identifying feasible options for restarting coal mining in Meghalaya, ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship. Collaborating with the Ministry of Coal and local miners, we aim to establish a framework for sustainable, safe, and scientific mining operations," Sangma remarked.
This development follows a recent inquiry initiated by a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, which is investigating a shortage of approximately 13.02 lakh metric tonnes of coal in the state, equivalent to around 52,000 truckloads, and is seeking accountability for the missing inventory.
Additional technical evaluations and follow-up discussions between the state government and the central authorities are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
The Directorate of Mineral Resources will maintain coordination with the Union Coal Ministry and other relevant departments to advance this process.