In a first since Independence, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed in accordance with approved mine closure plans, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts to make mining more sustainable.
The report documents the transformation of these mines, highlighting how scientific reclamation, ecological restoration, sustainable post-mining land use, and community-focused interventions have enabled the productive reuse of former mining sites.
"Mine closure is a critical stage in the mining lifecycle, encompassing ecological restoration, land reclamation, and the productive repurposing of post-mining sites for community and economic benefit," the Ministry of Coal said in a statement.
To strengthen scientific mine closure, the ministry has introduced several frameworks in recent years, including the RECLAIM Framework for community engagement, the L.I.V.E.S. Framework for sustainable mine closure and repurposing, and SUVIKALP, an interactive decision-support tool designed to assess post-mining land-use options.
The event will showcase on-ground innovations in mine reclamation, ecological restoration, and community-oriented rehabilitation. An exhibition will feature initiatives undertaken by Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), NTPC, and private mining companies.
The programme will also mark the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants, established by Coal India Limited through its subsidiaries to improve access to safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions, reinforcing the ministry's focus on community development.
The event will further strengthen institutional partnerships and international cooperation in advancing scientific mine closure and sustainable post-mining land use.
During the programme, the Ministry of Coal will sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to enhance technical cooperation on coal mines slated for closure. The collaboration aims to build institutional capacity, promote knowledge sharing, and facilitate the adoption of global best practices in scientific mine closure and post-mining development.
The event will also witness the signing of tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) among Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), and Hindalco Industries Limited and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited for setting up vocational training centres under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.
Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal said it is reinforcing its commitment to integrating sustainability, innovation, and community-centric development into mine closure planning. By combining structured policy frameworks, digital tools, and collaborative stakeholder partnerships, the ministry aims to transform mine closure into an opportunity for ecological restoration, economic diversification, and long-term regional development.