Officials said that the forthcoming mining plan guidelines will uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and ethical mining practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.
The coal ministry held a stakeholders’ consultation on the draft mining plan guidelines for coal and lignite blocks for this year on Monday. The meet, under the chairmanship of additional secretary M. Nagaraju, witnessed the participation of 25 coal and lignite mining companies including PSUs, captive and commercial miners, and representatives from the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh.
Nagaraju highlighted the ministry’s dedication to enhancing the regulatory framework governing coal and lignite mining. He emphasised on the importance of balancing flexibility for coal mine owners with heightened responsibility and accountability. The revised mining plan guidelines aim to introduce stringent measures designed to optimise coal extraction while ensuring comprehensive applicability for all stakeholders.
Officials of the ministry of coal presented the detailed presentation on draft guidelines. The new guidelines represent a significant stride towards fostering a sustainable approach to coal mining. The new guidelines emphasise responsible mining practices that support industry growth while prioritising ecosystem preservation, the officials said. The key elements include the mandatory inclusion of restoration, remediation, and regeneration measures in mining plans to ensure sustainable natural resource management. These measures aim to minimize environmental impacts, address community concerns, and promote continuous improvement in water quality monitoring.
Coal ministry officials say that by raising accountability standards and optimising extraction techniques, the ministry seeks to align the interests of all parties while simultaneously advancing sustainable development within the sector.
“The stakeholders’ consultation provided a platform for in-depth discussions and feedback from industry leaders and experts, setting the stage for a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses contemporary challenges and aligns with global best practices in mining governance,” a statement released by the PIB said.
Officials said that the forthcoming mining plan guidelines will uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and ethical mining practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.
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