The Ministry of Coal (MoC) on January 31, 2025, issued Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Mines, 2025.
These Guidelines shall come into force from the date of publication. However, for the Mining Plans uploaded on SWCS before the date of publication, the guidelines dated May 29, 2020, will be followed.
The Mine Closure Plan, inclusive of the Final Mine Closure Plan, shall constitute an integral component of the Mining Plan.
The following objectives have been stated:
• To optimize the extraction of coal and lignite resources while ensuring sustainable practices that minimize waste generation while maximizing efficiency.
• To emphasize the importance of systematic and scientific mining, to promote safety and health, to safeguard the interest of workers and communities involved in coal mining activities, to promote the implementation of robust safety protocols, infrastructure and adoption of global best technologies.
• To promote responsible mining practices that support both the coal and lignite industry and the broader ecosystem. Mandatory incorporation of restoration, remediation, and regeneration measures into mining plans to ensure the responsible and sustainable management of natural resources.
• To minimize environmental footprint, mitigate adverse impacts on local communities and ecosystems, and contribute to the overall conservation and preservation of natural habitats.
• To prioritize environmental conservation by monitoring soil, groundwater, and vegetation and implementing measures to improve air, soil and water quality.
• To obligate the project proponent to carry out the mining operations within the allocated block boundary.
[File No. CPAM-34011/28/2019-CPAM [E-343762]]
