SHILLONG, June 30: The Meghalaya government will soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy to press for changes in the existing framework governing scientific coal mining, particularly to address the long-standing demands of small-scale miners in the state.
Small miners have been demanding amendments to central rules that currently mandate large-scale open-cast scientific mining, which they argue is impractical for Meghalaya’s unique geological conditions. They are seeking relaxations in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and related guidelines to allow smaller, more suitable scientific mining operations that match their limited landholdings and thin coal seams.
Announcing the same on Tuesday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma noted that although the ban on coal mining has been lifted and scientific mining approved by the Ministry of Coal, the high investment required under the present model has made it financially unviable for most local miners.
As a result, there has been persistent demand from small miners for policy changes that enable affordable and sustainable scientific mining practices, he said.
The state government has examined alternative mining technologies proposed by local miners and will present these proposals during the upcoming meetings with the two Union ministers.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, which involves national standards, Sangma said any lasting solution may require amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act or other regulatory changes by the Centre.
“The livelihood concerns of the people remain a priority,” he said, adding that the government will continue to pursue the matter with the Centre to evolve a framework that is both legally compliant and economically viable for Meghalaya’s small miners.
The Chief Minister further informed that scientific coal mining has already commenced and production has begun in approved mines, but further policy changes are necessary to enable large-scale participation so that a greater number of miners can benefit.
