The Coal Ministry held a stakeholders' consultation on the Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Blocks, 2024, on 1st July 2024, chaired by Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority Shri M. Nagaraju. The event saw participation from 25 coal and lignite mining companies, including public sector undertakings (PSUs), captive/commercial miners, and representatives from the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh.

In his address, Shri M. Nagaraju emphasized the Ministry's commitment to enhancing the regulatory framework governing coal and lignite mining. He stressed the importance of balancing flexibility for coal mine owners with increased responsibility and accountability. The revised Mining Plan Guidelines are designed to optimize coal extraction while ensuring comprehensive applicability for all stakeholders.

A detailed presentation on the draft guidelines was delivered by the Advisor (Project), Ministry of Coal. The new guidelines represent a significant advancement towards sustainable coal mining. They emphasize responsible mining practices that support industry growth while prioritizing ecosystem preservation. Key elements include 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.

The Ministry of Coal aims to raise accountability standards and optimize extraction techniques, aligning the interests of all parties involved. The 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.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Coal is committed to driving these initiatives forward in close collaboration with stakeholders. 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.