The Ministry of Coal will release its first Annual Report on Mine Closure (AAROH) on 22 July, marking the scientific closure of 42 coal mines for the first time since Independence and signing an implementation agreement with Germany's Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to strengthen technical cooperation on sustainable mine closure and post-mining land use.
The report documents the closure of 42 coal mines carried out under approved mine closure plans and outlines how former mining sites have been reclaimed through ecological restoration, scientific land reclamation and community-centric interventions. According to the ministry, the exercise demonstrates the productive reuse of exhausted mining areas while integrating environmental and socio-economic objectives into the mining lifecycle.
"For the first time since independence, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed, in accordance with approved mine closure plans. The report presents the transformative journey of these closed mines, showcasing how scientific reclamation, ecological restoration, sustainable post-mining land utilisation, and community-centric interventions have enabled the productive reuse of former mining areas," the ministry said.
The Ministry of Coal said mine closure has evolved into a critical phase of mining, extending beyond environmental compliance to include land reclamation, ecological restoration and the productive reuse of former mining sites for community and economic benefit.
To support scientific mine closure across coalfields, the ministry has developed several policy frameworks, 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 for evaluating post-mining land-use options. These frameworks are intended to strengthen stakeholder participation and promote sustainable land-use planning.
The ministry will also sign an implementation agreement with GIZ to foster technical cooperation on coal mines approaching closure. The partnership aims to strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate knowledge sharing and support the adoption of international best practices in scientific mine closure and post-mining development.
Jharia, Coal NEER Initiatives
The programme will showcase field-level innovations in mine reclamation, ecological restoration and community rehabilitation through an exhibition featuring initiatives by Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and private mining organisations.
Coal India Limited will also inaugurate Coal NEER plants established through its subsidiaries to improve access to safe drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
In another development, Bharat Coking Coal or BCCL, the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), Hindalco Industries Limited and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited will sign tripartite memoranda of understanding to establish vocational training facilities under the Revised Jharia Master Plan. The initiative is aimed at creating livelihood opportunities for communities in mining-affected regions.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will preside over the event. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh will attend as special guests, while Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey will be the guest of honour.
The ministry said the initiatives reflect its broader strategy of integrating sustainability, innovation and community participation into mine closure planning, positioning reclaimed mining land for ecological restoration, economic diversification and long-term regional development.