A technical team from the Ministry of Coal has inspected coal-bearing areas in Meghalaya to assess the feasibility of resuming small-scale mining. Mining in the state has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on rat-hole mining in 2014, officials said on Sunday.
The team comprised officials from the Ministry of Coal, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Accompanied by officials from the state Directorate of Mineral Resources, the team visited mining areas in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Hills last week.
Director of Mineral Resources M P Tongper said the inspection formed part of ongoing discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre to explore options for restarting small-scale coal mining while meeting environmental, safety and legal requirements.
During the visit, the team examined mining methods practised in the areas and assessed whether operations could be conducted safely, scientifically and sustainably. The assessment also considered Meghalaya’s geological conditions and landholding patterns.
The team subsequently held discussions with senior state government officials on the challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for scientific mining suited to the state’s geology.
Meghalaya Government Explores Options to Resume Coal Mining
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7 to raise concerns affecting coal-dependent families and explore options for reviving the sector.
“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 had said.
The development comes days after a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court sought a detailed inquiry into a shortage of around 13.02 lakh metric tonnes of inventoried coal in the state. The missing stock is equivalent to approximately 52,000 truckloads. The committee also called for responsibility to be fixed for the missing coal.
Further technical assessments and follow-up meetings between the state government and the Centre are expected in the coming weeks. The Directorate of Mineral Resources will continue coordinating with the Union Coal Ministry and other concerned departments to take the process forward.
The ongoing assessment of Meghalaya coal mining seeks to identify viable options for small-scale operations while addressing the technical, environmental and safety requirements associated with restarting the sector.
