Ministry Of Coal Sets New Guidelines To Double Production By FY26
The guidelines would provide a strategic blueprint for coal mining companies, emphasising effective planning, execution, and monitoring of activities.
The Ministry of Coal on Thursday announced the revised framework for preparing mining plans, a crucial move to regulate and advance India’s coal mining sector. The sector has seen transformative changes, with commercial mining boosting production to over 100 million tonne in FY23 and projected to exceed 200 million tonne by FY26.
The guidelines would provide a strategic blueprint for coal mining companies, emphasising effective planning, execution, and monitoring of activities while maintaining high environmental, social, and safety standards.
Aiming to optimise coal extraction sustainably, the approach includes advanced technology to enhance efficiency and minimise waste. Safety and health measures protect personnel and local communities, while responsible mining practices prioritise ecosystem preservation through restoration and remediation.
The revised guidelines seek to minimise environmental impacts, address community concerns, and promote water quality monitoring for sustainable coal mining.
Among the key reforms introduced in the revised draft Mining Plan and Mine Closure Guidelines is enhanced flexibility for minor modifications in mining plans, while major changes will require approval from the Coal Controller Organisation.
Integration of fly ash filling protocols into mining plans to address related environmental concerns. Preference for blast-free and continuous coal-cutting technologies in mining methods is also part of the key reforms.
The Ministry further announced the implementation of comprehensive safety management plans as per the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, including mandatory safety audits. And certification of project boundaries based on DGPS surveys for coal blocks allocated through auction or allotment.
The requirement for drone surveys and processed outputs for comprehensive five-year compliance reports on mining plans is also part of the new reform.
