NEW DELHI: India is set to take a significant step toward sustainable mining practices as the Ministry of Coal prepares to release ‘AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure’ in New Delhi on July 22, 2026. The report marks a historic milestone by documenting the scientific closure of 42 coal mines, making it the first time since Independence that such a large number of mines have been closed following approved scientific mine closure plans.
The report reflects the government’s growing emphasis on transforming exhausted mining sites into environmentally restored and economically productive landscapes. It also highlights how mine closure has evolved from a regulatory requirement into a long-term strategy for ecological conservation and community development.
Historic Milestone in Scientific Mine Closure
The upcoming report presents the journey of 42 coal mines that have undergone scientific closure through structured reclamation and rehabilitation measures. According to the Ministry of Coal, these projects demonstrate how abandoned mining areas can be restored through ecological regeneration, sustainable land use, and community-oriented planning.
The report showcases successful examples of restoring degraded land, improving biodiversity, reclaiming mined areas, and creating opportunities for future economic activities. The initiative represents a shift toward responsible mining practices that balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability.
By documenting these achievements, the Ministry aims to establish a benchmark for future mine closure projects across India’s coal sector.
Union Ministers to Attend Launch Event
The launch ceremony will be attended by several senior members of the Union Government. Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will preside over the event as the Chief Guest.
The programme will also be attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh as Special Guests.
Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey will participate as the Guest of Honour.
Senior officials, including Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Additional Secretary Sanoj Kumar Jha, Coal Controller Sajeesh Kumar N., and other ministry representatives, are expected to be present during the event.
Mine Closure Becomes a Tool for Sustainable Development
The Ministry of Coal has increasingly focused on integrating environmental restoration into mining operations. Officials describe mine closure as one of the most critical phases of the mining lifecycle, extending beyond the cessation of coal extraction.
Scientific mine closure now includes ecological restoration, land reclamation, water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the productive reuse of former mining sites.
The Ministry believes that properly reclaimed mines can support agriculture, forestry, renewable energy projects, tourism, industrial activities, and community infrastructure, depending on local requirements.
This broader approach seeks to ensure that mining regions continue to generate economic and social benefits even after mining operations conclude.
New Frameworks Supporting Scientific Mine Closure
Over the past few years, the Ministry has introduced several policy frameworks and digital tools to strengthen sustainable mine closure practices across coalfields. Among them is the RECLAIM Framework, designed to encourage active community participation throughout the closure process.
The Ministry has also introduced the L.I.V.E.S. Framework, which promotes sustainable planning for mine closure and long-term land repurposing.
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In addition, the interactive digital platform SUVIKALP has been developed as a decision-support tool to help evaluate the most suitable post-mining land use options based on environmental and socio-economic considerations.
These initiatives aim to standardize scientific closure practices while ensuring transparency, stakeholder participation, and sustainable regional planning.
Exhibition to Highlight Reclamation Initiatives
An exhibition will be organised alongside the report launch to showcase innovative mine reclamation and rehabilitation projects undertaken across India’s coal sector.
The exhibition will feature initiatives implemented by Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), NTPC, and several private mining companies.
Visitors will be able to explore examples of ecological restoration, afforestation, sustainable land management, and community-focused rehabilitation projects that have transformed former mining areas into productive assets.
The event is expected to provide insights into emerging technologies and best practices adopted across different mining regions.
Coal NEER Plants to Improve Drinking Water Access
Another major highlight of the programme will be the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants, established by Coal India Limited through its subsidiaries.
These facilities are intended to improve access to safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions, addressing one of the key community development priorities in mining areas.
The initiative reflects the Ministry’s continued emphasis on integrating public welfare with mining sector development and improving the quality of life for communities living near coalfields.
International Cooperation and Institutional Partnerships
The event will also witness the signing of several important agreements aimed at strengthening scientific mine closure practices.
The Ministry of Coal will sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to enhance technical cooperation for coal mines approaching closure.
The collaboration will focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, adoption of international best practices, and strengthening institutional capabilities in mine closure planning and post-mining land development.
Additionally, Tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed among Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), and private industry partners Hindalco Industries Limited and Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited.
These agreements aim to establish vocational training centres under the Revised Jharia Master Plan, creating skill development opportunities for local communities and supporting economic diversification in mining regions.
Strengthening Sustainable Mining for the Future
Through the release of AAROH and the initiatives announced during the event, the Ministry of Coal aims to reinforce its vision of transforming mine closure into an opportunity for environmental recovery and regional development.
By combining scientific planning, technological innovation, institutional collaboration, and community participation, the Ministry seeks to ensure that former mining landscapes continue to contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and long-term social development.
By promoting scientific mine closure, restoring ecosystems, and encouraging productive post-mining land use, the Ministry aims to create lasting value for both local communities and the nation. The release of AAROH is expected to serve as a guiding document for future mine closure initiatives, reinforcing India’s commitment to responsible mining, ecological restoration, and sustainable regional development.
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