The Ministry of Coal (MOC) on June 20, 2024, notified regarding the major reforms made in Draft Mining Plan Guidelines 2024.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that MoC has revised the framework of preparation of the Mining Plan, and issued draft guidelines on the Mining Plan for consultation. These guidelines shall serve as a strategic blueprint for coal mining companies, facilitating effective planning, execution, and monitoring of mining activities while upholding stringent environmental, social, and safety standards.
• It states that the primary objective of the draft Mining Plan is to optimize coal resource extraction through sustainable practices that minimize waste and enhance operational efficiency.
• It states the key reforms introduced in the revised draft Mining Plan & Mine Closure Guidelines:
o provision for calendar plan flexibility to accommodate increased annual coal production beyond scheduled targets.
o preference for blast-free and continuous coal-cutting technologies in mining methods.
o integration of fly ash filling protocols into mining plans to address related environmental concerns.
o provision for extraction of barrier coal in adjacent mines to conserve coal reserves.
o certification of project boundaries based on DGPS surveys for coal blocks allocated through auction or allotment.
o guidelines for dumping overburden in areas outside coal blocks.
o mandatory adoption of conveyor belts or railway transport for coal evacuation, promoting environmental sustainability.
o mandatory preparation of Temporary and Final Mine Closure Plans for abandoned or discontinued mines post-2009.
• The Objections or suggestions, if any, with respect to these reforms shall be taken into consideration by July 01, 2024.
[Release ID: - 2027083]
