Meghalaya explores scientific methods to restart small-scale coal mining
By Staff Report 1 October 12, 2026 6:25 pm IST
A Coal Ministry technical team has inspected coal-bearing areas in Meghalaya to assess whether small-scale mining can resume under safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable practices.
A technical team from the Union Ministry of Coal has inspected coal-bearing areas in Meghalaya to assess the feasibility of resuming small-scale mining, which has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in the state in 2014.
The team, comprising officials from the Ministry of Coal, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), visited mining areas in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Hills last week, accompanied by officials from Meghalaya’s Directorate of Mineral Resources.
Director of Mineral Resources M P Tongper said the inspection formed part of ongoing discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre to explore ways to resume small-scale coal mining while meeting environmental, safety and legal requirements.
During the visit, the team examined existing mining methods and assessed the feasibility of conducting operations safely and scientifically, with environmental sustainability in mind. The assessment also considered Meghalaya’s geological conditions and landholding patterns.
The team subsequently held discussions with senior state government officials on the challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for scientific mining suited to the state’s geological conditions.
State seeks options for mining revival
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7 to raise concerns affecting coal-dependent families and explore options for reviving the sector.
“Our government is committed to exploring viable options to restart coal mining in Meghalaya, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. By working together with the Ministry of Coal and local miners, we can develop a framework that ensures sustainable, safe and scientific mining operations,” Sangma had said.
The inspection comes days after a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court sought a detailed inquiry into a shortage of around 13.02 lakh metric tonnes of inventoried coal in the state, equivalent to approximately 52,000 truckloads. The committee also called for responsibility to be fixed for the missing stock.
Further technical assessments and follow-up meetings between the state government and the Centre are expected in the coming weeks. The Directorate of Mineral Resources will continue coordinating with the Union Coal Ministry and other concerned departments.
Source: ETGovernment
