A standing committee on coal under the Mines and Steel Industry has suggested easing simplifying the process of issuing clearances to underground coal mining projects, since they have lower environmental impact.
The parliamentary panel said that complex standardised protocols lead to delays in projects and undermine the government’s transformative policy measures aimed at promoting underground coal mining.
The Centre has set a target to produce 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal from underground coal mines by 2030.
“Despite low environmental impact, several UG projects undergo the same clearance and documentation processes as in the case of large open-cast coal mines, thereby reportedly facing delays. The committee, therefore, emphasise the need for policy simplification and standardised protocols for UG coal mining practices in India,” said the Standing Committee on Coal, in its report.
Underground coal mining is said to minimise surface disturbance, thereby preserving land, forests, and infrastructure while reducing land reclamation costs and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
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This method also allows access to high-quality, deep-seated reserves and ensures year-round operations regardless of weather conditions, the report further stated.
Underground mines (UG), underground coal gasification (UCG) projects and clean coal technology-based pilot projects represent special categories of coal sector initiatives that offer significant environmental and operational advantages.
The government’s bold reforms are also aimed at addressing the traditional challenges of high capital investment and longer gestation periods, reaffirming the government’s resolve to modernise the coal ecosystem while aligning with the broader vision of sustainable development.
The panel has also recommended exploring the feasibility of putting in place a standard terms of reference (ToRs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) on a single-window clearance system for open-cast mining, on the lines of similar provisions for underground mines.
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