Three pacts signed, stage set for scientific coal mining in M’laya

SHILLONG, Jan 29: Three Escrow agreements were signed on Wednesday by the Controller of Coal, Government of India, with the project proponents for mining sites at three locations in the state, heralding the start of scientific coal mining.
Announcing the same, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that this development marks a monumental and historic day for Meghalaya. “As promised, our government has delivered on its commitment to secure approval for scientific coal mining operations in the state by working closely with the Ministry of Coal,” Sangma said.
The Controller of Coal signed the agreements with the project proponents for mining sites at Pyndengshalang in West Khasi Kills; Saryngkham in West Jaintia Hills and Lumiakhi Wahsarang in East Jaintia Hills.
According to Sangma, these agreements are a crucial step to begin mining operations.
In addition to these three, 12 more applications are in the advanced stages of approval, he said.
“We continue to actively pursue these with the support of the project proponents and the dedicated efforts of the Department of Mining and Geology,” the CM added.